Chili cook-off benefits Jefferson City church

Turkey, vegan and Nevada Red were just a few of the types of chili entered Saturday night into the second annual Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City's chili cook-off.

The fellowship hosts the cook-off to raise money for their organization or for local charities.

Katherine Connor, president of the fellowship, said the cook-off is a popular event for newcomers, active members and people who haven't attended in a while.

"People get to come out an show off their chili prowess," she said. "It's a fun little competition, but it gets people together."

Last year the proceeds went to fund meals at the Salvation Army. But this year, Connor said they are using the money to help pay for a part-time administrative assistant for the congregation.

Local artists who are also members of the congregation made some of the silent auction pieces, she said.

Lisa Sanning entered her "meaty chili" into the competition. She said the competition is a good way for people to contribute more to the fellowship.

"We're a small congregation so every little bit we can do helps," Sanning said.

The Nevada Red chili took home the judge's choice award. Harvest chili, a vegan chili with sweet potatoes, kale and black beans, was awarded a prize for "most original" chili. White bean chili won the "most popular" award.

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