Rootin’ Tootin’ Chili Cook-off

Homemade chili and beverages were available for people to enjoy at the fourth annual Rootin' Tootin' Chili Cook-off held at the Holiday Inn Expo Center. The cook-off served as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia.
The club is an after school program serving about 80 children on a daily basis. Children spend time on homework, playing games and arts and participate in drug and gang prevention activities. The program focuses on teaching children a healthy lifestyle and developing valuable life skills needed to succeed.   
Each table serving chili kept a money jar to collect donations for the Boys and Girls Club. As the cook-off came to a close, final fundraising totals reached above $12,000. The "Best Booth" title was awarded to Alpha Kappa Psi. 
The Kansas City Street Band provided entertainment, playing a mix of contemporary classics.  
Some chefs wanted to share their favorite recipes. While a few of these cooks were not willing to spill all their secrets, others did not mind sharing exact measurements.