It was a full house for the Quitman Pilot Club’s 2023 Chili Cook-Off held Friday evening, January 27th at the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman. This event is known for a fun time, but it’s also an important club fundraiser.
At the beginning of the evening the Grand Marshal, Tom Keenan, was introduced. The Grand Marshal is an honor bestowed to a community leader with a servant’s heart. No one more deserving, Tom is a dedicated friend of the Pilot Club, and serves on many Wood County Boards and committees, and has a demonstrated love of the community. Following, the club’s 2022 Humanitarian of the Year was announced, with the honor going to Michael Peebles. A long-time friend and supporter of our club, and an active volunteer at Special Olympics, Peebles has both personally, and corporately as a manager of local Brookshire’s stores, lent his labor and backing to this important Quitman Pilot Club effort to make it a success
As is tradition at the cook-off, the chili cooks spiritedly vied for trophies in three categories. Twenty-three teams competed, in for: Best Judge’s Chili, chosen by a panel of 3 judges in a blind taste test, Showmanship, chosen for decorations of the booth and liveliness of the participants, and People’s Choice, chosen by the most tips donated by the crowd. Continue reading to see the winners.
Dale “The C” Cummings entertained the crowd as they danced and sang along. A spirited part of the evening was the dessert auction, held by Patricia Hightower and Wood County Precinct 4 Commissioner and Auctioneer, Russell Acker. With Acker working the crowd, there was lively bidding on some luscious desserts. Attendees’ also were able to purchase raffle tickets for several wonderful prizes. 1.) A 30-pound meat package offered by the Anchor Club (our club sponsored student service organization). 2.) A beautiful quilt generously donated by Stichin’ Heaven, 3.) Five coveted gift card baskets.
We are grateful to our volunteer judging panel. Chili Judges: Willie Ingram, Brad von Reyn and the Honorable Kevin White. Showmanship Judges: Elizabeth Clement, Karen Lott and Dawn McCampbell.
Thanks goes to Russell Acker, our Auctioneer, and also to the teens of the Quitman Anchor Club, who provided wonderful labor and support the night of the event.
Then, BIG GRATITUDE is owed to all that supported our event in every little and big way from cooking to bidding to purchasing tickets. Additionally, thirteen organizations participated in our Chili Cook-off Sponsorship program.
…and the Winners are…
The biggest Winner of the evening….
Our fundraiser was a success, all because of you, raising approximately $14K, to help us with our works. You are the stars, and we thank you!
Event pictures can be viewed by following us on Facebook.