920.563.8880 [email protected]

Fort Atkinson, WI – October 9, 2018

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is hosting its 19th annual United Way Chili Cook-off on Saturday, November 10th from 6-8:00pm at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building (30 N. Water Street).  The event will once again follow the Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade.

“We are so excited to be hosting our 19th annual United Way Chili Cook-off for our community.  The cook-off continues to serve as a wonderful community event, as well as a fundraiser for our United Way campaign.  We had approximately 420 community members attend last year and we raised approximately $1,300 towards our 2017 campaign. This year we are celebrating our 75th anniversary during our 2018 campaign, so we’re looking very forward to having an even more successful year at this 19th annual event,” states Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director.

United Way is seeking participants to join in the event and share their delicious chili recipes with the community.  “We have been lucky to have been at capacity the past few years of our event – with 18 chili recipes – and we hope to maintain that level of offering for our community this year.  We were very lucky to have so many wonderful organizations and groups participate in the event last year – varying from partner agencies, to business owners, to individuals, to the Fort Atkinson High School culinary arts class.  The variety of participants, and the wonderful chilis they make, is part of what makes the cook-off such a great community event,” Hartwick adds.

Anyone interested in participating in the event can contact the United Way office directly or can print the entry form from the United Way website under the “Events” tab. (found at www.uwjnwc.com).  Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places, as well as Most Innovative, People’s Choice, and a brand new award for Best Decorations.  The People’s Choice & Best Decorations awards will be determined by votes cast by attendees, and volunteers serving as judges will determine the other winners.

 

United Way is also seeking individuals interested in volunteering their time to help with various tasks at the event, including set-up, food table sales, ticket sales, judging and clean-up. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to visit the United Way’s online volunteer platform to review the full details. The direct link is posted below. Volunteers can also reach out to the United Way office directly.

http://www.volunteermain.com/need/?agency_id=45167

“Last year we had eighteen wonderful volunteers who donated a few hours of their time to help make our event the great success that it was.  We are always looking to welcome new volunteers, so anyone who is interested in helping with this fun event, or who is interested in tasting up to 18 different chili recipes, can reach out to our office directly or can respond to our needs posted on our volunteer platform.” Hartwick stated.

The event will offer a $4 sample cup which allows attendees the chance to taste any/all of the featured chili recipes from local organizations and individuals.  The event will also feature a food table offering hot dogs, popcorn and bottled water (all items will be $1), a 50/50 raffle, and a baked goods table sponsored by local Girl Scout Troop #2276.

 

“Festival Foods is once again serving as the primary sponsor of our event for the fifth year in a row – other sponsors include Jones Dairy Farm, Fort Healthcare and FCCU.  Festival is generously donating all of the bowls & spoons for chili tasting, as well as all of the items for our food service table, which allows 100% of the funds we raise to be directly applied to our 2018 campaign fundraising efforts.  Festival Foods continues to be an incredible community partner for us, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support,” Hartwick stated. “We are also very excited to welcome Girl Scout troop #2276 back once again to run their amazing baked goods table! We are so proud to support our local Girl Scouts and always look forward to the wonderful treats they bring in and the incredible professionalism with which they run their sales.”

 

Any questions about volunteer opportunities or inquiries regarding participation can be directed to the United Way office at 920.563.8880 or [email protected].