Warm up this winter at Fort Mill schools’ Chili Showdown

It’s going to be the hottest event in town.

Join the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools at the first annual Cookin’ 4 the Kids Chili Showdown Feb. 27 at Fort Mill High School.

All proceeds from the event go to support Foundation programs that directly impact students in the Fort Mill School District, including grants for innovative classroom projects and maintaining a year-round school supply room for students in need.

Admission to the Cookin’ 4 the Kids Chili Showdown is free. Tasting kits for sampling chili will be available for $5 and include sampling cups for five samples. Chili tasters are invited to vote on their favorite chili for the People’s Choice award.

A silent auction will also be held during the event featuring a variety of items, including a hot air balloon ride, spirit wear from area schools, and tutoring sessions.

Have a favorite chili recipe? Entry fee is $50. First, second, and third place People’s Choice award winners will receive a hand crafted trophy made by Debbie Whitsett of Olive’s Mud Puddle. Winning teams also have a cash donation awarded directly to the school of their choice.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, registration for chili cooks, or to purchase chili tasting kits in advance for the event, go to fortmillcookin4thekids.org.

“We are excited to host an event that the whole community can take part in,” said Lynn Ringley, executive director for the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools.

“Whether you cook chili, eat chili, bid on auction items or provide a sponsorship you will play an important role in helping fund programs for our schools and you'll have so much fun doing it.”

The Foundation for Fort Mill Schools is a nonprofit organization established in 2003 to promote academic excellence in the Fort Mill School District through direct financial support of innovative classroom projects, professional development, technology for the classroom, arts in education, scholarships for graduating seniors, and free school supplies for students in need.

"The Chili Showdown is going to be a great opportunity to shake off the cold and bring the family in for some great food at family-friendly prices, entertainment, and its all ultimately to benefit our kids and their schools. Its a win-win," said Foundation board member and event chairman Frank McCollum.

Since the Foundation’s creation in 2003, more than $223,000 has been given by the Foundation to Fort Mill School District teachers, staff, and students in the scholarships and teacher grants. An estimated $40,000 has been given in school supplies to students in need since 2014.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 6:02 PM with the headline "Warm up this winter at Fort Mill schools’ Chili Showdown."