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Chili helps heat up fundraiser at Marietta church

Photo by Doug Loyer Twenty-five different types of chili were served in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption’s Chili Cook-Off.

MARIETTA — The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta held a chili cook-off fundraiser on Saturday.

The proceeds from the event went to the Basilica’s Adopt-A-Home for Christmas Project. The money will go towards repairing a home for a family in need in the diocese.

Billed as one of the “Hottest Events of the Year,” the Chili Contest on Saturday was open to all ages and there was no fee to enter.

The all-you-can-eat event offered 25 different types of chili to try … anything from sweet and mild to hot and spicy. There was also a 50/50 drawing and a silent pie auction.

“The church is doing mission work to do some repair to a home in our diocese,” said Robin Cleveland. “This is a fundraiser to buy the supplies that we need for that project,”

Photo by Doug Loyer Everyone enjoyed tasting the many varieties of chili in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption’s social hall Saturday night.

When attendees paid for a meal, they received a ticket, Cleveland said. After sample as many types of chili as they wanted, they could vote for a favorite chili.

“This is a great event. It brings people together,” said Monseigneur Mike Campbell. “It gets people involved and it’s fun. They enjoy making the chili. They work very hard.”

While explaining his chili strategy, David Payne of Marietta disclosed, “I put a sweet type of sausage in my chili. I try not to make it too hot, but it’s got a little kick to it.”

“It’s an easy decision to help other people that are less fortunate,” said Suzie Nesmith, a St. Marys parishioner from Parkersburg. “I made a Southwestern chili. It’s an old recipe from Good Housekeeping.”

Another church member, Jan Sailer, said she also liked the event. Sailer baked a pecan pie for the auction and came to volunteer to work.

Churchmembers Ruth and Kerry Patrick, of Parkersburg, said they went to Saturday Mass and stayed to enjoy the chili cook-off and were checking out the pies in the silent pie auction.

“We love the apple and there was one with fresh strawberries. Also, Father Tom made a pecan pie,” Kerry Patrick said.

“I don’t make pies too often, but I love to bake,” admitted Father Tom Nelson. “I was asked to make one and I was glad to do it.”

Nelson went on to say the cook-off had a great turnout. Everyone had a great meal and the evening was very successful.

“All of the chilis were good. I liked them all,” said John Trautner of Marietta. “I usually like my chili spicy, sweet and hot.”

“It’s a great evening and a great fund-raiser. It’s nice,” he said. “This is my first time here and I’ll be back.”

As far as bragging rights for the Chili Cook-Off, first place went to Kona Huck, second place went to Brian and Amber Newlon and third place went to Terese Waterman.

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