Most every cook has a special chili recipe. Capitalize on the spirit of competition and determine who makes the best chili. A chili cookoff can be a fun event and raise a significant amount of money for your group. If staged as an annual event, it can grow quite large, attracting more entries and spectators every year.
The Fundraiser
Start by choosing a date that is far enough in the future to allow time for promotion and that doesn't compete with other popular local events. Consider the time of year; chili is more popular during cold weather. Few people will turn out for a bowl of chili on a hot summer day.
Charge a small entry fee for each contestant. As the reputation of your event grows, you can charge more in future years. From this entry fee, you can pay a cash prize to the winner if you choose. Establish categories for entries: mild, spicy, white chili, unusual chili, any that you wish. Each entrant will cook enough chili for the judges, as well as extra for spectators to taste.
On the day of the fundraiser, charge an admission fee to spectators. Provide small bowls, spoons, and crackers for tasting. Guests can try all the different chilis and vote for their favorites.
You should choose knowledgeable judges ahead of time to determine the winners in each category. Additionally, award a taster's choice award for the chili that was most popular with guests.
Between entry fees and admission fees, you should clear a nice profit if you advertise your event well. You can also combine the chili cookoff with other fundraisers, to make it even more successful.
Chili Cookoff Cookbook
If your cookoff is a friendly competition, not on a professional level, you can ask each cook to providehis recipe in advance for publication in a small cookoff cookbook that is available for sale on the day of the event. A small booklet can be easily put together by volunteers and sold for $5 to $10 each, more if your event is a large one with many entries.
Silent Auction
Since you will have a crowd of spectators milling around, run a silent auction during the cookoff. Spectators can look over the auction items between chili courses. A silent auction has written bids instead of an auctioneer.
Solicit donations of items from local businesses for a . Suitable items include gift baskets, gift certificates, certificates for services and merchandise. Start by soliciting items from volunteers and members of your group. Then ask local businesses what they might donate.
On the day of the event, conduct a silent auction for the items, or recruit an auctioneer and conduct a live auction if you have a large attendance. Promote the businesses of your donors at the event and thank them for their sponsorship. You will be asking them to donate again next year, so try to make sure they see a benefit from participating.
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