The cold and rain didn't dampen festive spirits Wednesday evening during the 12th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson City Chili Cook-Off.
Hundreds of people showed up for one of the organization's largest fundraisers. The organization also raises funds through Bowl for Kids' Sake and its annual golf tournament, but it's hard to match the joy competing teams have during the cook-off, local BBBS Director Lee Knernschield said.
Rainy and chilly weather may have forced organizers to move the event inside, but 24 organizations still competed for cook-off bragging rights at The Millbottom, 400 W. Main St.
"There's a lot of unique stuff," Knernschield said. "We have a couple of teams with cinnamon rolls. Machens always does an amazing job."
Returning Celebrity Choice Award winner (twice running, they'll point out) Winter-Dent returned for the challenge again this year.
After a year absent, Crista and David Roehl (the only individuals in the competition this year) returned to the fray.
All proceeds from the event - which is among the local organization's largest fundraisers - are to be used to support the costs of enrolling, screening and matching children in the BBBS program. The organization serves more than 250 children every year and has 160 active matches. However, there are many children still waiting for a match.
The program organizes matches between adult mentors (bigs) and children (littles), ages 6-17. Matches are intended to last until the child graduates or turns 17. The BBBS mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth through a professionally supported, primarily one-to-one relationship with a caring and committed volunteer.
Find out how to volunteer with BBBS by calling 573-634-3290.
Amanda Jensen, owner of La Chica Loca, said the most popular item on her breakfast burrito food truck is the signature Colorado-style Green Chili, so of course that was the flavor chili she would bring to the cook-off. And, to make the meal more Southwest-authentic, she prepared tortillas and kept them warm in a Dutch oven.
Mid-Rivers Insurance Group and Three Rivers Electric cooperative collaborate on chili each year, Joey O'Connor said.
This year, they prepared a favorite recipe from his sister-in-law.
"It's a Midwest chili. It's got a bit of spice," O'Connor said. "I don't know what makes it so good."
The team from Mid America Bank brought a sweet, smoky, Texas-style, no-beans chili to the competition. Although it excluded beans, the bank's chili chefs included hominy in its recipe.
They might have been competing during the cook-off - a little bit - but teams from Central Bank, and Hawthorn Bank regularly set aside any differences they may have to raise money for worthy causes. At Wednesday night's event, they shared a table. Ken Adamson, a senior vice president from Central Bank and Chris Schrimpf, a senior vice president from Hawthorn Bank, serve on the BBBS of Jefferson City's advisory committee.
"We're all about the community," Adamson said. "We help people who help our community every day."
Standing elbow-to-elbow with him, Schrimpf said the organizations share common values.
"We have a very giving community," Schrimpf said. "This is one of the little things we can do as a bank."
Besides, many of the banks' customers also value organizations like BBBS and attend their fundraising events, he added.