The Fulton County Regional SPCA is set to host the 10th annual chili cook off on Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Eagles Club in Johnstown, 12 S. William St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a new restaurant showdown.
The event started in 2014 as the organization’s big winter fundraiser, said Maria Simone, Director of Marketing at FCRSPCA.
“We started this event because we didn’t have a large winter fundraiser at the time. Our largest fundraiser Woofstock is in September, and we have a few smaller events throughout the year such as chicken bbqs and bake sales,” she said. “The chili cook off has grown quite a bit over the years; The first event in 2014 raised just under $2,000 and last year we raised over $7,000.”
On average, the Chili fundraiser has 35 chili entries, with over 200 guests. This year they added the restaurant category which includes an advertising package, according to Simone.
In addition to food, the benefit includes music from CleenStreet, raffles and the option to think about adopting.
“We will have a volunteer staffed information table set up with info on all of our adoptable dogs as well as volunteering and other community programs. Attendees will be able to chat with volunteers and take information home with them,” Simone said. “Dogs will not be available for adoption at the event itself.”
All proceeds from the benefit, go to the shelter to help with animal care.
“Our shelter is 100 percent volunteer run, with no paid positions, so every single dollar raised goes towards caring for the animals in some way,” she said.
Prizes for the chili cook off will be awarded for People’s Choice Community, People’s Choice Restaurant and Judge’s First, Second, and Third. The judge panel includes a local vet, radio show host and brewery owner, amongst others.
Simone added attendees can bring a jar of peanut butter (xylitol free), canned pumpkin, or Harvey’s pet store gift card to be entered into a special raffle.
Those interested in making a chili can enter until Feb. 2. If entered before Jan. 15, the fee is $10 but if one enters after Jan. 15, the fee increases to $15. There will be no “day-of” chili submissions.
Those interested in attending the event, tickets for admission presale are $15 per ticket and increase to $20 on the day of the event. Presale tickets can be purchased until Feb. 3.
To register a chili into the cook off, whether you’re a restaurant or community member, visit the FCRSPCA website or email, chili@fcrspca.org. Those interested in attending can purchase their tickets on the FCRSPCA website.