2nd Annual Chili Cook-off a Hot Success: $9,500 Raised!

Saturday, March 7th, the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club hosted the 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off and what a great day it was! Once again, we welcomed a large and enthusiastic crowd. Students, community cooks and professional chefs entered 21 teams. Approximately 200 people came to sample chili and homemade cornbread and enjoy the fun!

The success of this fundraising event is shared by many. I’d like to thank all of you. From our sponsors to ticket buyers to the people and businesses who donated services and items for the event, I am in awe of your generosity. A special thank you to our judges – John McCardell, Karl Sjolund, Henry Lodge, Caroline Sweetin and Nellie Fagan for your tasting and professionalism in selecting the prize winning chilis! First place was award to Theta Kappa Phi Sorority; Second place award went to Good Night and Have a Pleasant Tomorrow; and Third place went to The Blue Chair/Tavern. People’s Choice Award was won overwhelmingly by Enrique Madico’s Latin American Chili.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Habanero sponsors - University of the South Board of Regents, Lodge Manufacturing, and Richard Courtney of Fridrich & Clark. Cayenne sponsors - Woody’s Bicycles and John and Bonnie McCardell. Jalapeno sponsors – Goodson Wealth Management, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Tower Bank, Jessica and Joey Favaloro, and Charlie and Melanie Kettle. Chili sponsors – Monteagle Wine & Spirits, Village Wine & Liquors, Sewanee Market, Anne Chenoweth/Village Realtors, The Frame Gallery, Sewanee Inn, Blue Oak Projects, LLC, Janet Cooper, Bob Askew Art, University Realty, Jay & Laurie Fisher, Rhea & Nancy Bowden, Greg Maloof, Jodi McCullah, John & Kathy Solomon, Rich Wyckoff, Studio Interiors, Inc., May Kamalick, John & Tan Hille, Amy Burns, Kathy Henslee, Dan & Carolyn Hatfield, Citizens Tri County Bank, Monteagle Inn & Retreat Center.

Many thanks to The Blue Chair and Tavern, Chef Rick at McClurg Dining Hall, and Mountain Goat Market for donating gifts in kind.

Heartfelt thanks to all the members of our Rotary Club and the University Rotaract Club for making this event successful. The energy that you brought to the fundraiser was appreciated. Everyone was dedicated to making this fundraiser a huge success.

Kathy Henslee
2020 Chili Cook-Off Chairman
Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club