Annual Hospice Chili Bowl Slated for September 14th

Surfer dudes and dudettes, real or just at heart, are asked to support the fundraiser slated for Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Clearfield Driving Park, from 5-9 p.m. 

"This year, we thought we'd try to hang on to summer just a little longer by hosting a beach party. We're accepting entries for the competition, as well as themed-basket donations that will be chanced off. We encourage individuals, restaurants, churches, physicians, community organizations and businesses to lend their support," Ms. Wilson said.

What is the Chili Bowl?

For those not familiar with the Chili Bowl, here's how it works: Chili entries are accepted in four categories, which are Church, Restaurant, Physician and Open. Entry fee is only $25.

Two panels of judges determine first, second and third place winners in each category based on flavor, consistency, aroma and visual appeal.

Another panel of judges walks around the event. These judges determine Spirit Award winners, based on participation and enthusiasm, while another panel of judges determines the Most Artistic, with judging based on presentation of the entries.

The Humanitarian Award is yet another chance for entrants to shine, Ms. Wilson said. Each entrant or team has a mason jar placed on the entrant's table. Attendees may make a voluntary donation to help choose the chili entry that wins this award. Monies may also be collected prior to the event for the Humanitarian Award.

Raffles and Prizes

In addition to the chili competition, themed-baskets are raffled off during the night. These baskets, which contain a cornucopia of items ranging from gift certificates, clothing, household wares, etc, are donated by individuals, businesses and Clearfield Hospital departments.

"Every year, the baskets get better and better. So much time, energy and creativity go into putting the baskets together," Ms. Wilson said.

The themed-baskets will be on display at the DuBois Mall during Labor Day weekend, and in the Clearfield Hospital lobby throughout August and early September. People may purchase chances on the baskets during those exhibitions as well as the evening of the Chili Bowl.

There will be many other prize drawings, including a chance to win unique Pittsburgh Steelers charm bracelets made and donated by Connie's Charms of Pittsburgh. The custom-made bracelets have links that pay tribute to Steelers players.       

Activities and Entertainment at the Event

People not into chili shouldn't let the Chili Bowl name keep them away. There will be plenty of "beachy" food for sale at "The Shore Shak," such as hot dogs, chips and soda.

Of course, a summer beach trip wouldn't be complete without a cool treat, so the Hospice team asked Dave Duke of Clearfield to bring his ice-cream truck to the event.

To make sure children are entertained, several kid-friendly activities are planned. For example, Cen-Clear Child Services will have a booth where children can dress in costume and have photographs taken. Kids will be given a frame they can decorate.

There will be music by The Moore Brothers. Janie Moore, Hospice RN, is a member of the band. Sales of this year's T-shirt and apron design, featuring the Chili Bowl mascot catching a wave on a chili pepper surfboard, will also take place.

The popular Butterfly Release will be held at 6 p.m. Live Monarch butterflies will be released to honor the living and in memory of deceased loved ones. Butterflies are available for purchase at a cost of $15 per butterfly.

Fundraising Benefits Hospice

Ms. Wilson said all proceeds from chili entries, basket and merchandise sales, the butterfly release, food and ice cream sales and raffle tickets are used to help Hospice patients. Last year, the event raised more than $19,000.

"For those who missed last year's Chili Bowl, I encourage them to join us this year -- I guarantee they'll be hooked. Best of all, the Chili Bowl benefits a worthy cause, our local Hospice," Ms. Wilson noted.

Ame Wagner, RN, director of Home Health and Hospice, said the event has become so popular that she's received inquiries from several out-of-state organizations seeking information about how they can plan their own Chili Bowls.

"It's gratifying to know that our event has become well known across the country. At the heart of the Chili Bowl is the Hospice staff's mission -- to help Hospice patients. It's a privilege to work with such a high-caliber team," Ms. Wagner said.

Click here to download the Chili Bowl Registration Form (pdf).
(Click here to download Acrobat Reader)

For information about the Chili Bowl, or to reserve a monarch for the butterfly release, please contact Dana Wilson at 768-2012.