The 16th Annual Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, held Friday, October 18, 2019, under sunny skies on the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse.  There was a record crowd, with 500 bowls of chili being served and approximately $4,500 being raised for Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, which will be used towards the building of the next Habitat house (the 7th house).

 “Pick It or Ticket” from the Smithville Police Department took Top Chili Honors, with the “Power House Chili” from Smithville Electric System placing second.  Third place chili honors went to “The Courthouse Gang” from The DeKalb County Officials.

 The Best Decorated Booth Award went to “MTNG-Take a Chance Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, with “Power House Chili” from Smithville Electric System coming in second place and “Boo Boo Crew” from the DeKalb County Health Department placing third.

 The Golden Spoon Award went to “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials, who raised an additional $180.00 for Habitat in cash donations at their booth.

 Rounding out the fifteen participating teams were Adoration Home Health, “25th Anniversary Chili” from Evins Mill, “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust; “Tennessee Tradition” from DeKalb UT Extension; “First Choice Chili” from First Bank; “Indian Summer Chili” from Indian Creek Baptist Church; “Good Neighbors” from Jackie Smith State Farm; Smithville Rotary Club, “Loan Rangers” from Liberty State Bank, and The Retreat at Center Hill Lake.

 Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County thanks each of these teams for their enthusiasm and support of the event; all those who donated the delicious baked goods; City Mayor Josh Miller and his staff and County Mayor Tim Stribling and his staff for facilitating the event space; and all the fine folks of the community who came out to support Habitat and this great community event.

 Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.  To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181 or find them on Facebook @HFHDeKalb TN.