Chili cook-off to raise funds for education

Andrew Heiserman
Posted 8/31/19

Every year the Rochelle Township High School Education Foundation hosts a themed fundraiser, and this year the organization has opted to host a chili cook off on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Salt 251.

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Chili cook-off to raise funds for education

Posted

ROCHELLE – Every year the Rochelle Township High School Education Foundation hosts a themed fundraiser, and this year the organization has opted to host a chili cook off on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Salt 251.
The event, which is open to anyone 21 and older, will feature four different chili chefs who will be offering up a variety of styles for guests to enjoy and vote on their favorite.
Prize baskets will also be raffled off, and local band The Vodka Boys will be entertaining with popular music hits to round out the evening.
While this event is meant to be a fun time, the main goal is to raise money for RTHSEF to in turn help the high school fund worthwhile items and programs they would otherwise not be able to afford through the regular budget.
“We do an event every year to help raise money for the foundation for the high school. We fund thousands of dollars’ worth of grants for the teachers for above and beyond things that the school can’t fund,” explained Angie Seldal, RTHSEF board member.
Last year the foundation was able to purchase a drone for the school.

The chili at the event will be cooked and served up by four different chefs all representing different organizations. Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows will be representing the City of Rochelle, Watsana Thiravong will be cooking for Rochelle Foods, Chris Lewis will be representing RTHS and Curt Helgren and Ben Johnson will represent the Rochelle Fire Department.
The winning chef will be awarded with the prize of the coveted golden spoon.
Along with the chili, there will be drinks available for purchase at the bar, and foundation officials are hoping for a good turnout because they receive a portion of each drink sold.
“I am really hoping that we can pack the house. Salt 251 has been really great to work with, and they are offering 50 cents back for every drink sold during the event as a donation to our foundation,” added Seldal.
Rochelle Foods is the premier sponsor of the event, while other sponsors include Central Bank, Holcomb Bank, Rochelle Community Hospital, Rochelle News-Leader, Fearer, Nye and Chadwick Attorneys at Law, T-Byrd Lanes and RTHS.
The RTHS Education Foundation is still accepting donations and sponsors for the event. For anyone looking to donate or sign up to be a sponsor, contact Seldal at aseldal@icloud.com.
Tickets are available for purchase at the high school, at the door or at Salinas Family Chiropractic. More information can be found at the education foundation Facebook page or on Twitter.