The second annual Point Roberts Chili Cookoff raised $325 to help the local food bank make often-empty local tables groan this Christmas.
Sixteen different pots of chili squared off at the November 15 event at Kiniski�s Reef Tavern and almost 100 tasters sampled them and picked their favorites. �I tried every one,� organizer Paulette Ladner groaned happily.
Winner of the coveted Chuckwagon Award for best chili from a commercial entry went to Dockside Caf�. The model chuckwagon, a new addition to this year�s event, will be engraved with this year�s winner and put back up for grabs at next year�s event. �It will be passed on from year to year,� Ladner said.
Best chili for an individual went to Dave MacKay, who won a pool cue and case for his �Spoken Pot Chili.� Leslie Saint Nicholas won second place and Carl (chili king of the trailer park) in third won baskets of kitchen goodies.
Another food bank fundraiser is on at Sterling Savings Bank where the children�s toy drive Christmas tree is up.
Pick up a tag with a child�s information and return the gift to the bank to brighten a neighbor�s holiday. Cash donations to the food bank can also be made to a special account at the bank. The food bank is also looking for donations of warm winter outerwear.
Call Henry Rosenthal at 945-1711 for other ways to lend a hand over the holidays.