A Winning Recipe: Chili, Golf, and Giving Back

The Valley Community Pantry enjoyed a highly successful day as supporters gathered at the Golden Era Golf Course for a Chili Cook-Off community fundraiser that blended friendly competition, community connection, and meaningful fundraising.

The event featured 10 chili competitors, offering a wide range of flavors and styles, including traditional, creative, and vegetarian entries. Competition was close throughout the day, keeping tasters and judges engaged until the final results were announced.

Adding to the fun, golfers took to the course in support of the Pantry and later joined the event as chili tasters and judges, creating a unique and engaging experience that combined sport, food, and philanthropy.

The competing chilies included:

Sharyl’s Cali/Tex Chili; Milo’s Pumpkin Chili (vegetarian); Bekah’s Pizza Chili; Ray’s Chili; JDubs Backyard Brisket Chili; Kelly’s White Bean Turkey Chili; Alison’s All American Chili; Chance’s Sahara Chili; Paul’s Chili; and SJVA Wolf Chili.

After a tightly contested judging process, the winners were announced:

First Place went to Jerad Wilson for JDubs Backyard Brisket Chili;

Second Place was awarded to Paul Gray for Paul’s Chili;

Third Place went to Meghann Kirby for Ray’s Chili.

Attendees shared enthusiastic comments throughout the event, praising the quality and variety of the chili, the welcoming atmosphere, and the opportunity to learn more about the Valley Community Pantry’s mission. One attendee summed up the experience, saying, “This was such a fun event — great chili, great people, and a great cause. I didn’t realize how much the Valley Community Pantry does for the community until today.”

The event was supported by generous sponsors and donors. Arrow Printing served as the event sponsor, donating golf vouchers and printed certificates, while Golden Era Productions generously provided the golf course, helping make the event possible. Additional raffle prizes were donated by the Hemet Theatre, The San Jacinto Valley Women’s Conference, and Valley Community Pantry Board members, adding to the excitement and fundraising success.

In addition to the cook-off, the event featured local art vendor Janelle Behan, further contributing to the community-focused atmosphere.

Dan, President of the Board of the Valley Community Pantry, reflected on the day, saying, “I worked the whole day but had plenty of chili! Plus, it was rewarding to see this come about so well and see people who were enjoying themselves who learned about the Valley Community Pantry. It was a great day.”

Thanks to strong participation and generous community support, the Chili Cook-Off successfully raised important funds to help the Valley Community Pantry continue serving individuals and families in need. Organizers expressed sincere gratitude to the competitors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, golfers, and everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success.