Dana Point Women's Club's 8th Annual Chili Cook Off is a Huge Success

On Saturday, October 5th, Dana Point Women's Club (DPWC) members, along with family and friends, enjoyed the Club's 8th annual Chili Cook Off at Community House, the philanthropy's Clubhouse and event venue located in the heart of the Lantern District. Taking full advantage of the great room, catering kitchen, foyer and back yard spaces, Event Chair Marla Freeman set up a reception, the bar, outdoor seating and one-man band Mike Hamilton outdoors, where guests enjoyed drinks and snacks while members enticed them with raffle tickets. Bob Lee did double duty as bar tender and hot dog chef, grilling dogs to accompany a choice of chilis set up in the foyer and offered by 7 challengers in this year's hotly contested cook off. Congratulations to Mike and Monique Wolff who went home with the first-place ribbon for the second year running, collecting the most "tips" for their eponymous Wolff Pack Chili. Runner up was Joan Kerr with her delicious Cleveland Chili. Inside the great room, guests perused beautiful silent auction baskets and raffle gifts and sampled the many choices of sides and salads to accompany chili, cornbread and all the fixings.

DPWC President Kathy Belanger kicked off the evening welcoming guests and thanking the many donors including many generous DPWC members plus local businesses like Costco, which donated desserts for the event, Truly Pizza, Bottega Angelina, Beach Cities Quilters' Guild, District Salon, Dana Point Hardware, Handel's Ice Cream and Coastal Kitchen which donated merchandise and/or gift certificates to support DPWC's philanthropies.

The low key, friendly event was a huge success, netting close to $5,000 after expenses to support DPWC's philanthropies. Ways & Means Chair Marla Freeman expressed her gratitude for all those who helped make the event a success. "Our annual Chili Cook Off always feels like a casual, family affair. And like a family, everyone pitches in, bringing potluck dishes, setting up tables, donating auction prizes, cooking up great chilis and even staying to clean up. I am enormously grateful for all the community and City support, and also for our generous DPWC family and friends for another great event! "

Dana Point Women's Club has served the South Orange County community since 1951. Women interested in membership are urged to visit DPWC’s website to learn more and contact the Club’s Membership Chair.

Community House serves as DPWC’s Clubhouse, and also as a local venue for meetings, parties and events to help maintain the building and fund the non-profit’s philanthropies. Contact info@communityhousedp.org or call 949-284-6415 for more information on venue rentals.