The Johnson County United Way and fifteen of their agencies provided an evening of good food and a large supply of sweets and other items at their eighteenth annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, October 30 at the Warrensburg Community Center. Additionally, the Warrensburg Manor Care Center and KWKJ 98.5 joined in the fun by presenting their unusual chili "50 Highway Road Kill" which ended up being the grand champion chili of the evening.
Approximately 375-400 guests were welcomed by Scott Patrick, JCUW board president, and Dr. Deborah Orr, campaign chair. The chili’s ranged from Something to ‘Cluck’ About chili from 4-H Assistance Fund (made with chicken ); to Johnson County Adult Literacy’s ABC chili which has had the same name for the entire eighteen years of the cook-off. Kingsville Recreation's chili, Grand Slam chili, took second place followed by Adult Literacy's placing third. The chili portion of the event raised $1,778
In addition to those that came to eat chili, many participated in the auctions which were more than just sweets. Senator David Pearce served as auctioneer for the two separate auctions which took place at 5 and 6 PM. Items donated in addition to the many homemade cakes, pies, cookies, nuts, breads and candy were an autographed photograph of Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chief's running back and a basket filled with baking supplies. Top selling item was a three-layer pumpkin cheese cake and filled with ice cream, donated by Warrensburg Manor and selling to Denny Hoskins for $310. Second highest item was "Mississippi Mud" selling for $180. The auction netted $1,630.