Ready… set … get cooking for a great cause with the Charleston Animal Society’s 18th Annual Chili Cook-off and Oyster Roast, scheduled for Nov. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in North Charleston.
What started on the rooftop of a downtown venue, with only a few teams competing, has exploded into an event with more than 100 teams and 9,000 total participants. With five categories – Unique, Traditional, Best in Show, Booth Presentation and People’s Choice – there are more than enough ways for chili enthusiasts to showcase their mouthwatering talents.
Entertainment will include live bands, delicious chili samples, all you can eat oysters, family fun activities, corn hole, beer and wine stations and even a mechanical shark. And while fun certainly will be in the air, it’s important to remember the amazing impact this annual event has for our favorite furry friends. Every $25 donation to a team or the purchase of a ticket will benefit Toby’s Fund, the medical fund for the shelter.
Every animal that arrives at the Animal Society runs up bills of around $400. The Cook-off and similar events raise over $500,000 every year toward these expenses. But financial help isn’t the only benefit provided by the Chili Cook-off. Adding to the fun is the heartwarming excitement of seeing dogs find their new homes. It’s worth noting that 25 dogs were adopted at last year’s event.
“It’s an amazing Charleston event that has been going on for a long time. The support from over 300 volunteers, local sponsors, vendors, chili teams, businesses and animal loving individuals shows how great this benefit truly is,” said Director of Corporate Partnerships & Special Projects Elena Lawson.
To learn more, visit www.charlestonanimalsociety.org/chili.
