JAMESBURG: Chili Cook-Off raises money for wounded vet

By David Kilby, Staff Writer
   JAMESBURG — The Jamesburg Elks Lodge 2180 Special Needs Children’s Committee sponsored a Chili Cook-Off on Sunday at the lodge to benefit Lance Cpl. Colin Pascik, of Monroe, who was wounded in Afghanistan.
   Members of the lodge and their families and friends came out and supported the event by either bringing their own chili or judging the chili.
   Eighteen entrants had to cook 3 pounds of chili to qualify for entry into the contest. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place.
   The Chili Cook-Off was coordinated by Della Fitch, chairwoman of the Special Needs Children’s Committee.
   First place was awarded to Rick Reynolds. Second place was awarded to Ellen Quinlin, and third place was awarded to Bob Knoblock. They all are members of the Elks Lodge.
   This was the first time the Chili Cook-Off was open to the public. The lodge had more than 60 people in attendance, and seven people judging the chili.
   The event raised approximately $800 for Lance Cpl. Pascik, who lost both legs after stepping on an IED (improvised explosive device) in Afghanistan.
   Purple hearts also are available at the cook-off for a donation of $5 per heart. The hearts were made of construction paper so the donors had a chance to write their names on them to show their support for Lance Cpl. Pascik.
   ”Colin is someone from the area,” said Kathy Martin, public relations manager for the Elks Lodge. “People appreciate that he served for our country, and people just want to come out and rally behind that.”
   The lodge has had other chili cook-offs, but they’re usually for the lodge’s other fundraising events.
   ”We sponsor a children’s Christmas party, a special needs Christmas party and a children’s Halloween party. We invite children from local schools,” Ms. Martin said.
   Last year, the Elks Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary.
   ”Thanks to all who submitted chili entries for the completion,” Ms. Martin said. “And to those that came and sampled the chili and purchased purple hearts and to all those who volunteered to make this event a success.”