Hospice of Limestone County
Chili Challenge and Silent Auction
ATHENS-Chili lovers can take a bite for charity in February at the 26th annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction.
A $10 ticket allows event goers to taste a variety of chili concoctions and vote for their favorite as well as bid on auction items. The event is Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Athens High School. The silent auction ends at 1:30 p.m. The chili challengers and silent auction will be in the gym. Entertainment and lunch will be in the cafeteria. Lunch includes a potato bar and hot dogs.
The event raises about $50,000 annually for Hospice of Limestone County, a non-profit agency that provides services such as in-home 
respite workers, indigent care that is non-funded care and non-Hospice bereavement counseling. Camp Hope, a bereavement support program for children, helps an average of 60 children each year.
“This fundraiser ensures we can meet the needs of our community,” said Hospice Executive Director Pat King. “The families we serve are so appreciative to the community for supporting our programs by supporting Chili Challenge.”
Challenger spots still are available. There is no charge to be a challenger, but there are requirements regarding how much chili to prepare, booth decorations, etc.
There are nine challengers so far and 32 spots available. The challengers who have registered are:
● Skills USA/Tech School
● Randall McCrary
● ServPro
● Shannon Elliott/Kim Todd
● Hickory Barn BBQ
● BBC: Bacon, Beef and Chili – sponsoring Huntsville/Madison Leadership Group
● Dental Associates of Athens
● Consumer Mortgage
● First National Bank
There are awards for People’s Choice, Best Group, Best Individual and Best Booth.
“Each year I am amazed at the creativity of cooks in our area,” said Chili Challenge Chairwoman Amanda Speegle. “Chili lovers can taste different types from hot to sweet to some made with deer meat to others made with tightly guarded family secrets.”
The silent auction will include sports items, gift certificates for services, lawn and garden items, artwork and more.
