Fund-raising event set for ThursdayBy Jason E. Silvers

Saturday, November 8, 2008

The arrival of November brings chillier temperatures, and also an opportunity for area residents to come in from the cold and warm up during the Fort Scott Kiwanis Pioneers Club's annual chili feed.

This year's event is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, at the Scottish Rite Temple, 110 S. Main St. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Pioneer Kiwanis Club, an organization that has served the community and worked to assist area children since 1988.

The annual chili feed is the organization's premier fundraiser each year, according to Fort Scott Kiwanis Pioneers Club Vice President Sarah Dorsey, who is also the co-chairwoman for the event.

"The more money we make, the more help we can give," Dorsey said.

Another of the Kiwanis Club's biggest annual fundraisers, a concession stand at the annual Airport Day in September, did not happen this year as the entire event was canceled due to rain, making it especially important for organizers to conduct a successful chili feed this year, Dorsey said.

"The funds we raise allow us to support local kids in our community," she said.

Kiwanis club members raise funds and donate time and energy each year to help support both Bourbon County school districts, as well as many other local organizations and programs. The club raises money each year for worthwhile local and international projects. The club's defining statement is "Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time."

The Pioneer Kiwanis consists of a diverse group of women of varying ages who work in a wide range of professions. Club members routinely seek to recruit new members, officials said.

"As a club, we represent a diverse group of women from a variety of professional backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a Kiwanis heart," Dorsey said. "We share the desire to better our community and have an impact on our children."

All Kiwanis members will assist in some capacity with the chili feed. Members of the Fort Scott High School Key Club, which is the high school division of the Pioneer Kiwanis club, and Fort Scott Christian Heights students, provide extra help in setting up, serving trays, and cleaning up after the event. Several local businesses also support the organization generously by donating items for the chili feed and by purchasing tickets and advertising for the event, Dorsey said.

Tickets for the chili feed, which cost $5 per person, can be purchased from any Kiwanis Club member in advance or at the door the day of the event. A ticket will allow the holder to enjoy a bowl of chili or chili dog, dessert and a beverage of choice. Children under 5 years of age will be able to eat free of charge, and will receive a hot dog, cupcake and beverage of choice. Carry-out meals will also be available.

For more information about the Pioneer Kiwanis, call Dorsey at (620) 223-9987. Area women are also invited to attend the organization's meetings, which take place every Thursday in the Fort Scott Community College Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott.