CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Hospital Hospice invites you to salute the nation’s military men and women during the annual Chili Bowl, scheduled for Sept. 16 from 5-9 p.m. at the Clearfield Driving Park Expo II Building.
“A Salute to the Troops” is the theme for the 13th annual Chili Bowl. 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. Participants are encouraged to decorate their booth and/or dress in accordance with the theme.
All Chili Bowl proceeds benefit the 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.
Money raised at the event also supports the bereavement program and the grief camp for children and teens. This is a free service offered to anyone in the community who has suffered a loss.
For those not familiar with the Chili Bowl, here’s how it works: Chili entries are accepted in three categories, which are Restaurant, Physician and Open. Entry fee is only $25.
The judges determine first, second and third place winners in each category based on flavor, aftertaste, 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 booths.
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.
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. The deadline for baskets to be turned in is Aug. 16.
The themed-baskets will be on display in the Clearfield Hospital lobby from Aug. 16 to Sept. 15 and at the DuBois Mall from Aug. 20-23. People may purchase chances on the baskets during those exhibitions as well as the evening of the Chili Bowl.
Other activities will include music by The Moore Brothers Band; and kids’ corner with Air Force plane launch, Tour of Duty golf, Marine duck pond, Army training sharp shooter cork gun, grenade target toss, Air Force and Navy track race and pop toss.
There will also be a donation area for needed items for the troops located outside the Expo II Building. The Project Santa program is coordinated by Roger and Sharon Kritzer. A listing of needed items for the troops may be obtained by calling 768-2007.
Volunteers will be selling 50/50 chances as well as chances on a kayak, which has been donated by Barb Davis in memory of Walt Davis. People are also encouraged to purchase a Chili Bowl t-shirt designed by artist Sam Yost.
The most moving part of the Chili Bowl is the popular Butterfly Release, which will be held at 6 p.m. Live butterflies are released to honor the living and in memory of deceased loved ones. Butterfly reservations are now being accepted 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 hot dogs, chips and drinks. Dave and Amy Duke of Clearfield will have their ice-cream truck at the event.
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 registration information, chili entry, theme baskets or to reserve a butterfly, please contact Dana Wilson, volunteer and event coordinator, at 768-2012, or by e-mail at dwilson@clearfieldhosp.org. Wilson is also seeking event sponsors and donations.
More information may also be obtained at the hospice booth inside the Expo I Building during fair week, Aug. 1-7. The booth will be decorated in a patriotic theme and will feature Chili Bowl, butterfly release and Project Santa information.
