Relay for Life kicks off 2016 campaign with Chili Cook Off

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Arron Hustead/Democrat-News

Six participants raised a combined total of $256 Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Saline County Relay for Life Kickoff event at the Marshall Senior Center. For the first year, Relay for Life kicked off its fundraising schedule with a Chili Cook Off. Each entrant's chili received consideration from three judges who selected a winner. Also, those in attendance voted for another winner through donations with the chili entry raising the most money winning the people's choice.

Participants await as the judges begin to make their rounds from entry to entry. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)
An early donation puts Jon Burge's traditional American chili in the lead for the time being. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)
Guests make their way from station to station, sampling each entrant's chili during the competition. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)
Melody Dierking serves a bowl of her white chicken chili. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)

Kevin Mullins discusses the recipe for his "World Famous Kevin's Chili" with guests and other entrants. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)
Heather Bourbon prepares to sample the Marshall Senior Center's chili entry. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)
The judges near their decision after sampling each of the entries. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)
Saline County Relay for Life Co-chair Allen Dierking prepares to count the donations. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)
Saline County Relay for Life Co-chairman Allen Dierking presents Chili Cook Off winner Brenda Messerly with two prizes, a ladle set and a sweatshirt blanket Thursday, Feb. 18. Messerly's Mexican chili was awarded first prize by the three judges and also earned the highest amount of donations. (Arron Hustead/Democrat-News)