2011 Chili Challenge
The 2011 Chili Challenge, hosted by the Park Rapids Enterprise, raised $5,464 for the Hubbard County Food Shelf, including the loon and quilt raffle.
A total of 21 chili brews were available for sampling, including bowls of mild chili made by Park Rapids Enterprise chef Candy Parks. Participants included State Bank of Park Rapids, Citizens National Bank, Northwoods Bank, TruStar Federal Credit Union, Hubbard County sheriff Cory Aukes, "The Other Bill Jones," John Nicklawksy, St. Joseph's Area Health Services, The Good Life Café, Bob Berdahl, Blue Star Mothers, Lynne and Leroy Denman, Deborah Newman, LeAnn Moen, Friends of the Library, Beagle Books, First English Lutheran, Mary Kay and the Osage Lions.
Quilt winner Bruce Wixom received "an early birthday present," the Crazy Quilters' creation. The quilt raffle raised $405 for the food shelf.
Renae Olson's house will become home to the loon created by woodcarver and food shelf volunteer Bob Landrigan. The loon raffle raised $954 for the Hubbard County Food Shelf, some buying $50 and $100 in tickets in hopes of winning the coveted carving.
Citizens National Bank reprised their role as chief fundraiser for the Hubbard County Food Shelf 2011 Chili Challenge. Bank employees raised $407 which was matched by Citizens for initial donation of $814. The chili samplers added $93 to the coffers for a total donation of $907.
The top teams/individuals in addition to Citizens National Bank, were State Bank, $638; LeAnn Moen, $446; TruStar Federal Credit Union, raising $350; First English Church, Dorset, $263; St. Joseph's Biomed Deparment, $146, and St. Joseph's Area Health Services, $118. Total amounts raised by chili chefs were nearly $4,000.
