Rotarians add spice to their fundraising event for 3 local nonprofits
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Rotary Club of Fleming Island found a way to mix spice, libations, a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron, fellowship and an opportunity to support three local nonprofits with its annual Chili Cookoff on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Not only did Jerry Smith find a way to sneak venison into his concoction of peppers, while Rebecca Shearer prepared a special blend of flavors to create a white chili to win the spicy category and non-traditional categories, respectively, but their entries, along with hungry patrons, helped support local causes.
The Village Improvement Association in Green Cove Springs, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Clay County Veterans Services all shared in the proceeds generated in a cookoff between a dozen chili cooks at Preston and Donna Mangas’ Family Hangar at Haller Airpark.
The grand champion of the bunch was Randy Robb of the Rotary Club of Fleming Island. He will hold the “trophy,” a sprawling peacock ornamental art, until next year’s chili cookoff.