The annual Sunset Beach Chili Cook-off fundraiser
event benefits community organizations such as the Women's Club that funds
scholarships for students in Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach Chili
Cook-Off--Sunset Beach, Calif. knows how to have fun. Every community
fundraiser brings out the good tidings and good deeds of community givers
who celebrate for a cause. Usually they raise money for scholarships, for
community enhancements and even things such as a new bathroom for the
community center, which was recently paid for. How good can life be in
the beach community located in Orange County, California? Just try the
chili and you'll find out.
At the Sunset Beach Chili
Cook-Off one attendant/volunteer/sponsor summed it up, " You can smell it,
you can taste it and it's delicious. Can it get
much better?"
There are dozens, if not
hundreds of
chili cook-offs in California. Just finding them is a bit tough because
not all of them are publicized. But one organization that has the formula
for great chili cook-offs down pat is International Chili Society (ICS). An official at the International Chili
Society (ICS) said the fire gets turned up at ICS sanctioned events because
the "steaks" are high and only one person wins after competing in rounds.
Not everyone can afford to pay the fees to participate in this
organization's program, nor do some communities wish to make their chili
cook contests so serious or restrictive with higher fees for entry. In
Sunset Beach, for instance, even the Fire Department is all volunteer. So
much of what occurs in the community is accomplished through volunteerism
and giving and they like to keep it fun.
Perhaps that is why
you'll see folks
like Pat Thies, Jacquie Morrison, Angie, Jenny and the cast and crew of the
Chili Cook-Off production time and again. Each year the chair of the event rotates so you
never know who'll be in charge next year, but suffice to say that you'll see
the same volunteers year after year, working to maintain the quality of life
they cherish in their community.
So if you seek a fun
time, good chili and a hearty, friendly crowd just trying to help others,
head to Sunset Beach for the Annual Chili Cook-Off held at the Community
Building at the all-volunteer Firehouse Station. It is usually held the
weekend after Labor Day in September.
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