Chili cook-off serves as fundraiser

A tasty fundraiser next week will help students in the agriculture program at Fort Scott Community College.

The Collegiate Farm Bureau at FSCC will host its 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, in the lobby of the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St. The event is open to the public, and each entry of chili costs $10.

The event is organized and conducted by the 45-member Collegiate Farm Bureau to raise money for student agriculture scholarships and as a way for the group to "give back" to the college, according to Katie Manbeck, the committee chairwoman for the event, vice president of the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at FSCC, and member of the FSCC meats judging team.

"This is our event to raise money to give back to the college," she said. "A lot of our members, I'd say about 90 percent, are on scholarships. If not for those, we couldn't do the things we love."

At the event, a panel of five judges will sample various flavors of chili entered in the contest to determine winners who will receive cash prizes. The contest features several entries, which are provided by FSCC staff and students, as well as community members.

Last year's event at the former National Guard Armory saw a modest turnout, but organizers are hoping for an even bigger attendance this year, Manbeck said.

"It was a fairly good turnout last year at the armory," she said. "This year, we're holding the event on campus so we're hoping for a better turnout."

Starting Wednesday, tickets for the event, which cost $5 in advance or $6 at the door for all-you-can-eat chili, can be obtained from any member of the Collegiate Farm Bureau at FSCC.

Manbeck said students involved in the Collegiate Farm Bureau at FSCC, who meet twice a month, are able to learn about and take part in noteworthy events concerning farming and ranching. Members also participate in various community service and college events and activities throughout the year.

Last year, each member of the chapter contributed $5 toward adopting a needy family for the Christmas season. The group spent about $100 on each child in the family for Christmas, Manbeck said.

For more information, contact Manbeck at (620) 212-0037, or Nathaniel McGee at (913) 256-9069.