Chili cookoff to benefit children

A Chili Cook Off in Greencastle Saturday will raise funds for hospitalized children while satiating the appetites of local citizens. Everyone is invited to taste the entries and vote for their favorite dishes. The money from ticket sales and activities will go to Children's Miracle Network.

Beth Lovell, Customer Service Manager for Food Lion, the sponsor of the event, said, "We are all about helping to create miracles for kids. We are hoping to raise muchneeded funds for a great charity."

The First Annual Chili Cook Off for CMN will be from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at the American Legion, 254 S. Carlisle St.

Fourteen teams will compete for two trophies. Judges will award the 'Best Chili' and the public will choose the 'People's Choice Chili'. Everyone may taste as many chilis as they desire. Each team will have a collection cannister, so people may vote for their favorite team or favorite dish.

Activities for children will include sand art, pick up a duck, the lollipop tree and other games, so kids can play while their parents eat.

CMN is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by financially supporting children's hospitals across North America. The nearest hospital is the National Children's Hospital in Washington DC.

"One-hundred percent of the money we raise at the Chili Cook Off will stay in the local hospital to support programs and the purchase of supplies for children, and also for research and development in childhood diseases," said Lovell. "No child is ever turned away from a CMN hospital, regardless of ability to pay."

Last year the facility in Washington DC served 13,000 admissions, 335 outpatient visits, 12,300 surgeries and 69,170 emergency room visits.