The Kiwanis Club of Alameda’s 23rd Annual Chili Cookoff on February 1 at the Albert DeWitt Officers’ Club raised $20,000 for Alameda nonprofits that serve children and their families.
More than 180 guests enjoyed the chili tastings, a three-meat barbecue catered by Back Forty, silent and live auctions, western dancing by Dance/10, and a raffle for a diamond necklace donated by Seelenbacher Jewelers, along with an iPad donated anonymously. The Live Auction was particularly successful, with Jeramie and Andrew Andehueson firing up the bids. And everyone at the event enjoyed dancing to the music of The Lost Cats band.
The chili tastings resulted in the following votes:
- First place: Park Street Tavern—Chris’s chili.
- Second place: William Han—no-bean chili.
- Third place: Kelly Lux State Farm—Jake’s chili.
All seven chili contestants had wonderful recipes, so it was hard to choose a favorite.
The silent auction items sold out. Many attendees commented on how many more auction items were presented compared to past years and the variety of businesses that contributed—restaurants, cafés, sports bars, dance studios, fitness studios, local artists, even corporate groups such as Bowlero Bowling Lanes, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Corica Golf Park, Pet Food Express, the Oakland Zoo, and Raley’s Nob Hill Foods. Businesses such as the Alameda Theater, Kelly Lux State Farm, and the Park Street Tavern are frequent community donors.
Other small businesses, such as La Bonne Vie, the Tutu School, and the Sewing Room saw the need for everyone to step up to help Alameda and at the same time, encourage everyone to “Buy Local.” In-kind sponsors were Park Street Tavern (table linens), Black Stallion Winery (red and white wines), Faction Brewing (beer) and Starbucks (coffee service).
The Kiwanis Club of Alameda offers a big thank you to all the merchants, community members, and Kiwanians who generously donated baskets and gift certificates for the fundraiser.
We are proud of Alameda!
