CLEARFIELD – When you think about the beach, many words come to mind — sand, sun, water, blanket, sunglasses, beach ball, sunscreen, boats … the list goes on.
The Clearfield Hospital Hospice program wants to add another word to that list, and that word is chili, and no, it’s not the kind that makes your body shiver, at least not from cold temperatures.
Hospice staff recently announced that the slogan for its ninth annual Chili Bowl is “Hang 10 with Hospice at Chili Bowl 2006.” As one might guess, the theme for the event is a beach party.
Surfer dudes and dudettes, real or just at heart, are asked to support the fundraiser slated for 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.” Dana Wilson, hospice volunteer, said.
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. The 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, 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.
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, 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.
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, and Janie Moore, hospice nurse, 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.
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,” Wilson noted.
For registration or other information about the Chili Bowl, or to reserve a monarch for the butterfly release, contact Wilson at 768-2012.