ATHENS-The Athens and Limestone County community is embracing a local cause by making chili and making art in hopes of making money.
The annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction is Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Athens High School. There will be 32 challengers making chili and competing for various awards, including People’s Choice Award. In addition, there will be donated items up for auction, including some refurbished windows made by Athens High School art students.
Beverly Bobo, the Athens High sponsor for the National Art Honor Society, said her students and art students from Tavia Slaton’s art classes turned donated windows and a door into art pieces to support Hospice.
“Around 12 students worked mostly in teams to create the windows,” Bobo said. “Most of the students looked for inspiration from Pinterest and then just ran with an idea, making their own changes or creating something totally new.”
The windows and door include scenes from nature such as a winter red bird as well as other scenes like an Eiffel Tower, and one turned into a decorative chalkboard.
“I love the students’ creations,” said Chili Challenge Chairwoman Amanda Speegle. “They recycled these windows and door and made them into an expression of themselves.”
Bobo also donated a ceramic plate she made while teaching a unit on clay. The ceramic plate features a horseback rider.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door for $10. The ticket price includes sampling the challengers’ chili recipes and voting for a favorite, bidding on silent auction items, lunch and entertainment.
Money raised supports Hospice of Limestone County programs such as Camp Hope, a 
bereavement program for children, in-home respite workers to provide families a break, indigent care that is non-funded care and non-Hospice bereavement counseling. Hospice of Limestone County is the only non-profit Hospice operating in the county.
“I am overwhelmed with the number of items that have been donated for our event,” said Hospice of Limestone County Executive Director Pat King. “The community turns out every year to support us. This is our only 
fundraiser, so we appreciate how much the community has done.”
Other items available at the silent auction include an autographed copy of the Grammy-nominated Alabama Shakes album Color and Sound, autographed T-shirt and album from musical artist Anderson East, a $500 airfare voucher from Huntsville International Airport, sports memorabilia, a quilt, children’s items, art donated by High Cotton Art artists, and much more.
