A Great Time was had by all at the 2nd Annual Deborah’s Place Chili Cook-Off!

Over 60 guests spiced up their weekend at the Deborah’s Place President’s Circle’s Second Annual Chili Cook-Off on January 30, 2010. Held in the gym at the Rebecca Johnson Apartments, the event was a great success! The chili competition was tough, with fourteen chilis vying for guests’ votes.

Bluegrass duo Long Journey Home kept the party festive, while party-goers took tours of the building given by Deborah’s Place tenants and staff. The dozen children (and children at heart!) also watched a performance by Biz the Clown, played Bags, and enjoyed coloring activities.

Below are some pictures from the event.

President’s Circle member Cheryl Kobetsky (far right) talks with her table as Biz the Clown performs for the children (top left).	Staff member Kathy Booton-Wilson (in dark pink) and Rebecca Johnson Apartments tenant Pam (to her left) introduce Deborah’s Place to a group before leading them on a tour of the building.

The gym was filled with over 60 guests tasting over 14 chili varieties.

Congratulations to our 2010 Winners!

Each chili winner received a beautiful assortment of spice mixes from the Spice House. The Bean Counting Contest winner won a crock pot.

(pictured left to right)
Spiciest Chili: Cathy Colombo
Most Unusual Chili: Joe Cigan
Best Overall Chili: Paul and Melissa Haase
Best Vegetarian Chili: Carolyn Helmke
Bean Counting Contest (over 3000 beans!): Katrina Van Valkenburgh

Thanks to everyone who attended for supporting Deborah’s Place and our mission to break the cycle of homelessness for women in Chicago. Special thanks to members of the President’s Circle for hosting the event. We’ll see you at the Chili Cook-Off next year!

Missed the celebration? We’ll be back at it again soon! Please join us for our Silver Spring Celebration, coming up on March 25!

Also, be sure to check out the other upcoming events as we celebrate Deborah’s Place’s 25 years of service.