The day’s winners circle: Dustin Lynch (from McCoy’s); Mike Ryon, 2ndPlace Chili; Rita Huffman, 3rdPlace Chili; Tyler & Linda Kieman, 1stPlace Chili; June Baumoel, 3rdPlace Salsa and 1stPlace Adult Pumpkin Decorating; Jack Wisdom, 2ndPlace Salsa and 5thPlace Chili; and Jeffrey Guerrero, 1stPlace Salsa; Children front- Brody Chilek, 2ndPlace Pumpkin Decorating; Brooklyn Chiles, 3rdPlace Pumpkin Decorating, Cali Jones First Place Pumpkin Decorating, and Burgess Cook of McCoy’s. CENTURY NEWS PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO
Some of the day’s recipients of donations: Walt Smith accepting for the Dripping Springs Education Foundation; Toni Alberty accepting for Austin Zoo; Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club President Stephanie Holtzendorf; accepting for Operation Warrior Path Adalia & Troy Dudley. CENTURY NEWS PHOTO BY JOHN PACHECO
Chili cook-off event raises money for community non-profits
The Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club held its 24thAnnual Chili Cook-Off at the Triangle last Saturday. The annual event benefited a number of local charities, with contibutions totalling $16,500.
“I think we had the most successful cook-off to date. It’s been growing every year, and it’s a great opportunity to get together, have some fun, and do good for the community,” Cook-Off President Stephanie Holtzendorf said. “I’m looking forward to next years, and hopefully make it even better. I also want to thank everyone that came.”
This year’s donation of $16,500 dollars was split among the following organizations: Dripping Springs VFW and American Legion Posts, Boy Scouts of American Troop 280, The Dripping Springs Education Foundation, the Austin Zoo, the Hays County Child Welfare Board, Helping Hands Food Pantry, Operation Warrior Path (a veteran PTSD help organization), Hometown Mission, Harmony Place, and Dripping Springs Kids Foundation.
In addition to contributions made at the event, the club had donated $1000 in feeding Hurricane Harvey Relief Workers, and $1053 to the Pound Farmstead, in the past year. “We’re active year-round,” club member Michele Ryon said.
Just before the final presentations, Burgess Cook and Dustin Lynch from McCoy’s #74, arrived with an additional donation to the event. “We’re very happy to support community events such as this,” Cook said.