Habitat for Humanity’s Ninth Annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale brought a crowd out to enjoy chili and baked goods Friday.
The event, which was held at the 303 Building on the square, raised $3,400 to be used toward the current construction of the fourth local Habitat house on Hayes Street. 
“The Chili Flappers” from the DeKalb County Board of Education won the “Best Chili” award, and “The Courthouse Gang” took second place.
“Lei Me Out Chili” from Middle Tennessee Gas Utility District was awarded first-place honors in the decorating contest.
 Tecia Puckett Pryor of the Habitat Chili Cook-off Committee said that the turnout for the event was spectacular, and the food was delicious.
“We had a great turnout for the Chili Cook-off,” said Pryor. “We had five new chili teams this year, and everyone enjoyed coming out and visiting with their friends and neighbors while sampling all the delicious chili.
“We truly appreciate all the chili teams for their hard work and dedication to this event year after year,” Pryor continued. “We also thank everyone who brought the delicious baked goods, especially the Tiger Pride Kitchen from DCHS.”
 Twelve teams participated in the event, including “The Bean Counters” from Janney & Associates;  “Chili Flappers” from the DeKalb County Board of Education;  “Hot Checks Chili” from DeKalb Community Bank; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “Smokin’ Hot” from the City of Smithville; “‘Lei’ Me Out Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “Chili with Electability” from the Inn at Evins Mill; “Indian Summer Chili” from Indian Creek Baptist Church; “Blessed and Highly Flavored” from Allen’s Chapel & Buckner’s Chapel Methodist Churches; “‘No Liability’ Chili” from the DeKalb County Bar Association; “Fantasy Falls Forest” from K. Daly-McEver; and “Blueberry Creek Farm” from Chala Salisbury.
 Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization.
Habitat 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.