“The Fabulous ’50s” is the theme for the 11th annual Chili Bowl scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5-9 p.m. at the Expo II Building at the Clearfield Driving Park. Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit hospice patients.

Posing at the Super 322 Drive In, which opened in 1950, are, seated from left, Barb Frankhouser, drive in owner; and Dana Wilson, hospice volunteer and event coordinator. Standing, from left, Lori Parks, grief counselor; hospice volunteers Amanda Knight and Jim Hummel; Marie McGovern, hospice secretary; Stefanie Pentz, hospice volunteer; Bill Frankhouser, drive in owner; and Larry Krest, hospice volunteer. Ed and Linda Weitoish own the 1954 Buick Roadmaster featured in this photo.

“The Fabulous ’50s” is the theme for the 11th annual Chili Bowl scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5-9 p.m. at the Expo II Building at the Clearfield Driving Park. Admission is free. Participants are encouraged to decorate their booth and/or dress in accordance with the theme.

“This year’s theme is going to be a lot of fun. Everyone loves the music, the fashion and the simpler times of the 1950s. We’re anticipating an even bigger turnout than last year’s Chili Bowl, which raised a record-breaking $31,000 for hospice patients,” Dana Wilson, hospice volunteer/event coordinator, said.

The planning committee is now accepting entries for the competition, as well as themed-basket donations that will be chanced off. Individuals, restaurants, churches, physicians, community organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate.

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.

The 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. Money may also be collected prior to the event for the Humanitarian Award.

Basket Raffle

In addition to the chili competition, themed-baskets are raffled off during the night. These baskets, containing 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 deadline for baskets to be turned in is Aug. 25.

The themed-baskets will be on display in the Clearfield Hospital lobby from Aug. 25 to Sept. 17 and at the DuBois Mall from Sept. 5-8. People may purchase chances on the baskets during those exhibitions as well as the evening of the Chili Bowl.

Butterfly Release and other activities

Other activities with ’50s flair will include music by The Moore Brothers Band; kids’ corner featuring hopscotch, Slinky races, ring toss game, car race, golf, lollipop tree, duck pond games and piñatas; and sales of this year’s Chili Bowl T-shirts.

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

While chili tasting is at the heart of this red-hot night, other food items will be sold, including hamburgers donated by Burger King, hot dogs and drinks. Dave and Amy Duke of Clearfield will have their ice-cream truck at the event.

Funds raised for hospice

Ms. Wilson said all proceeds benefit the Clearfield Hospice program by covering expenses that are not covered by insurance. Monies are used to help alleviate burdens from hospice patients and families in need who are facing end-of-life issues.

Clearfield Hospice provides personal care and support for terminally ill persons and their families. It serves residents of Clearfield, Centre and Jefferson counties, as well as parts of the bordering counties of Elk, Indiana, Cambria, Clinton and Blair.

“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.

For registration information or to reserve a monarch for the butterfly release, please contact Ms. Wilson at 814.768.2012 or by e-mail at dwilson@clearfieldhosp.org. Ms. Wilson is also seeking event sponsors and donations.

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Related Links

Clearfield Hospital Hospice
Hospice Fundraisers - Chili Bowl