CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Hospital Hospice’s Chili Bowl gave “A Salute to the Troops” this year.
There were 48 chili entries this year. There were also 200 butterflies released as part of the memory ceremony.
As part of the military theme, chili bowl veterans and civilians dressed in uniform. Some dressed as iconic symbols from war-time history such as Rosie the Riveter . The Expo II and the fairground parking nearly burst from attendance.
“Turn out is pretty good for such a rainy day,” said Hospice and Event Coordinator Danna Wilson.
Project Santa, a program to send Christmas gifts to the troops, was present at the bowl.
“I actually enjoy it. I see a lot of old veterans [here] I look up to,” said Julio Nieves, who is enlisted in the Army and based near Punxsutawney.
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.
