By Shannon K. Jones
Staff Reporter
SAULT STE. MARIE — The rare heat of September wasn't enough to keep the Boys and Girls Club of Bay Mills from turning up the temperature at the United Way Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser on Tuesday, Sept. 14.
More than 25 teams gathered in the Northern Hospitality parking lot with their special recipes vying for the title. While no exact number was taken, an estimated 800 people attended the event.
This marked the second year for the Bay Mills club to participate in the event. Last year, the Boys and Girls Club earned the honor of “People's Choice.”
“It was a collaborative effort,” said Jeanne Bedell of the Boys and Girls Club. “We had a lot of help, thanks to volunteers like Casey Munz and assistance from the Cozy Inn.”
Guests paid a $5 donation and were able to peruse through the booths while enjoying the music of a live band.
The cook-off winners this year are — Best Display: New Hope House; People's Choice: Hospice; Best Mild Chili: War Memorial Hospital; Best Hot Chili: Chippewa Country Central Dispatch.
The event was the kick-off for United Way of Chippewa County's annual capital campaign. This year's event raised $2,344 — $800 more than last year.
“The funds will be distributed to 17 agencies operating in the county,” said Molly Paquin of UWCC. In 2002-2003, United Ways across the nation generated an estimated $4.4 billion to help America's communities address their most critical issues.
