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.