Ten local chefs will participate in the community chili cook-off from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Bluffton Middle School cafetorium. 

This is the third year for the event that supports the Bluffton Community Assistance food pantry. The cook-off gives community members the chance to sample each recipe and vote for their favorite; cost $5 per person. 

Entertainment will be provided by Dancers Elite Dance Studio and Krysti’s Music Studio. Dancers will perform from 5:30-6:15 p.m. and music students will perform from 6:15-7 p.m.

Sandwiches, chips, drinks and desserts will also be available for sale. The community is encouraged to help stock the food pantry by bringing canned or boxed food items. A chance to win a Village Cut and Curl gift basket will be given for each item donated. 

Last year’s People’s Choice Award went to Nancy Yeager. Her entry will be in this year’s competition, as well. 

Many area churches are helping with the event, either by entering a chili, donating supplies and desserts, or providing volunteers. 

This ecumenical spirit has brought together the congregations of Bluffton Baptist, Emmanuel United Church of Christ, English Lutheran Church, First United Methodist, Rockport United Methodist, St. John’s United Church of Christ and Bluffton Presbyterian Church. 

An anonymous chef is providing a chili in honor of the Bluffton Community Assistance food pantry, and will be served by pantry director, Jami Crawfis. 

The Bluffton community chili cook-off is coordinated by the mission committee of Bluffton Presbyterian Church. 

Bluffton Community Assistance, Corp. is a non-profit organization that provides food and assistance to qualifying community members in the Bluffton school district.  It also operates the Bluffton food pantry located at St. John’s United Church of Christ.

For additional information about the cook-off, contact Lynda Best 419-296-2790 or Bluffton Presbyterian Church 419-358-5806.