Another successful community chili cook off was held on Feb. 18  

With the help of eight area churches and 10 chili cooks, the event raised $1,380 for the Bluffton Community Assistance Program’s food pantry.

Chili recipes were provided by Cathy Carroll, representing the Presbyterian church; John Hochstetler Presbyterian church; Missy Pilash, Bluffton Baptist; Jesse Owsley, Emmanuel UCC; Mike Edmiston, First Mennonite; Tom Downey, St. Mary’s Catholic; Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, Julie Yoder, Zac Kohli and J.W. Shannon, Bluffton Community Assistance Program.  

Close to 180 people sampled the chili recipes while others purchased sandwiches and treats. The People’s Choice Award was claimed by John Shannon, with John Hochstetler (2019 winner) and Jesse Owsley close behind. Several bins of donated canned and boxed food items were collected that night, as well.

The cook off is a mission project of Bluffton Presbyterian Church. In addition to its church members, donations and volunteers were provided by members of  English Lutheran, St. John’s UCC and First United Methodist churches.

Students of Dancers Elite and Krysti’s Music Studio entertained the crowd.