The San Benito County Association of Realtors hosted its third annual Chili Cook Off on Oct. 26. The event this year raised money to benefit the Emmaus House, a domestic violence shelter in Hollister.
The Board of Directors affiliate committee selected Emmaus House to be the beneficiary this year, though the total amount raised is yet to be tabulated and will be announced at a meeting in a few weeks. In the past, Community Food Bank for San Benito County has been the beneficiary for the event.
Emmaus House staff members served as judges for the event, with four teams competing for the top honor of best chili. Teams from American Financial, Coldwell Banker, Nino Real Estate and CalVista Insurance competed in the cook-off.
“We had a good turnout,” said Maricela Ramirez, the association executive for the San Benito County Association of Realtors. “It was actually American Financial Network that came in first place.”
The chili cooks were allowed to arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. to get their pots cooking, with judging started at 11 a.m. Ramirez said the competitors were allowed to do some prep work in advance, such as soaking the beans. But most of it was done on site, with participants bringing out crock pots or camping stoves.
“The members of the Association – realtors and affiliates – come out and do the samplings,” Ramirez said.
During the chili cook-off, the Association members also offered a hot dog lunch and raffled off prizes, with the money going to Emmaus House along with the entry fees for the cook-off competitors.
“It was basically for the realtors and affiliates to hang out and network,” Ramirez said.
Gina Grant, a member of the affiliate committee, helped to coordinate the event.
