Public’s spicy romance with Chili Challenge spans more than 20 years

Published 6:15 am Thursday, January 26, 2017

Musician Anderson East, a Limestone County native, donated an autographed CD and T-shirt for the Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction.

A local romance that has stayed spicy for more than two decades will celebrate its 29th year the week of Valentine’s Day.

That romance is between the public and Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction, which is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at Athens High School’s gym. Competition can be fierce among challengers who are secretive about their recipes and are adamant about how chili should taste such as spicy, mild, hot or a sweet heat savor.

Each year, the public supports the event by competing in the chili cook-off, providing donations and attending the event. The Chili Challenge is the only fundraiser for Hospice of Limestone County, which is the only nonprofit Hospice that provides services in Limestone County.

The best event in Athens/Limestone — look forward to this every year,” one Facebook follower wrote.

From the Brothers of Athens Masonic Lodge #16, thank you for the opportunity to participate in this event. We had a great time!” was a post from 2016.

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I’m excited that we’ll be doing a live remote and participating in the Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge fundraiser this year,” wrote Mark White, who is with Applebee’s Tailgate Talk on 1080-AM WKAC. “As many of you know, my family needed the services of Hospice of Limestone County during my daddy’s brief illness. They were a great comfort through one of the most difficult times of our lives.”

Hospice of Limestone County provides services to an average of 50 patients per month. The Chili Challenge event raises between $40,000 and $50,000 through ticket sales, Chili Challenger entry fees, T-shirt sales and the silent auction.

The money raised from Chili Challenge goes to help fund respite services we provide to our patients and their family members,” said newly hired Hospice of Limestone County Executive Director Suzanne Paysinger.

Musician Anderson East of Athens shows his love for Hospice each year by donating autographed items. This year he has donated an autographed CD and T-shirt for the silent auction.

Local students also are showing their love by creating pieces of art for the event. Paysinger said Athens High School and Athens Middle School students are creating artistic signs from pallets and donating them for the silent auction.

New co-chairs of the event are Anna Clem and Lacy Beth McMunn.

McMunn is the volunteer coordinator for Hospice, and Clem is with Same Cloth, a venture that creates stylish and inspirational T-shirts while raising awareness and funds for nonprofits in need. Same Cloth created this year’s Chili Challenge shirts.

There is the classic short sleeve tee for $15 and a baseball tee for $15 for kid sizes and $20 for adults. Shirts are available by emailing lacy@athenslimestonehospice.org and will be available at the event.

Get spicy with Chili Challenge

Here are ways you can be a part of the romance with Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction

Chili Challenge organizers are accepting team registrations. There are 32 booth rentals for the chili competition. Challengers will compete for Critics Choice Award (Group), Critics Choice Award (Individual), People’s Choice Award and Best Booth Design. The cost to compete is $50. Those interested in competing can call Hospice of Limestone County at 256-232-5017.

Organizers are collecting items for the silent auction. These items can include art, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, children’s collectibles, outdoor décor and more. Businesses or individuals who would like to donate auction items can call 256-232-5017.

Multiple sponsorship levels are available from the Friend of Spice Sponsor at $50 to the One Hot Tamale at $500-plus. Those interested in sponsoring the event can call 256-232-5017.

The public can support the fundraiser by attending the event. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. The ticket price includes tasting each chili, lunch, entertainment and the ability to bid on items. The event is Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Athens High School’s gymnasium.

City of Athens grant coordinator and communications specialist Holly Hollman contributed to this report.