Ypsilanti chili cook-off to benefit SOS Community Services draw hundreds
The Ypsilanti Chili Challenge drew a crowd Sunday.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
They doubled the chili and doubled the participation.
Jim Karnopp, owner of Café Luwak and the organizer of this year’s Ypsilanti Chili Challenge, explained the parallel. Last year, he made five gallons of chili and had enough to feed a few mouths for remaining leftovers.
This year, he made 10 gallons and was scraping the bottom by day’s end in the chili cook-off that brought out hundreds to Depot Town’s restaurants.
All money from the day-long event goes to SOS Community Services, a non-profit on South Huron Street that helps Washtenaw County’s homeless families.
A participant samples chili at the event.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
“This is a great event,” Karnopp said. “SOS is a great group to work with, we’ve got a bunch of local businesses supporting a local charity, and it’s nice to donate to someone you know is a block away.”
The organization helps more than 7,00 people each year with housing and employment related issues, said Chelsea Clark, SOS community coordinator.
“We are very excited about how today went,” Clark said Sunday.
The merchant side featured vegetarian and meat chili from Café Luwak, Queen of Hearts Bakery, Ugly Mug, Sidetrack, the Ypsilanti Food Co-op, the Corner Brewery and Aubree’s Saloon.
Café Luwak’s meat chili was announced as the winner.
Tom Perkins is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
Ed Sprague
Mon, Feb 22, 2010 : 5:57 p.m.
They got my vote, but where are the the voting results for the others. Some were close on my card.
A2expat
Mon, Feb 22, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.
Love is a fruit in season at all times, and in reach of every hand. Mother Teresa of Calcutta... Actions speak louder and better than words. Thx for helping homeless families in Washtenaw County!
ralphypsilanti
Mon, Feb 22, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.
A fine and fun day it was for all. Not mention but worthy to note. A bicycle ride named "Another Chile Ride" organized by Bike-Ypsi, Wheels In Motion and the Depot Town Merchants. This drew about 100 riders into Depot Town event (myself included). The bicycle event ended in time for riders to participate in the Chile Challenge contest. Congrats Cafe Luwak winning the best chile.