VFW Chili Cook-Off winners announced
2023 VFW 2814 Chili Cook-off volunteers, front row (L-R): Sabrina Sakaguchi, Heather Lasley, Gail Teeple, Lois “MiMi” Thomas Demke, and California Mid-State Fair Princess Jenna Shapero. Back row: Dave Vargues, California Mid-State Fair Queen Brooke Smith, Red Forsman, Debbie Frederick, Davey Robichaux, Sandy Edmunson, Kathy Strang, Chris Rohrberg, and California Mid-State Fair Princess Sarah Barr. Photo courtesy of Rick Evans.
Event raised funds for Meals That Connect
– The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2814 in Atascadero has crowned the best chili makers of the 2023 VFW 2814 Chili Cook-off. Of the nine chili entries, first place and people’s choice were won by Terry Granstrom, second place was won by Ray Morrison, and third place was won by Michael Lasley. All three winners are U.S. military veterans.
In addition to tasting and judging chilis, cook-off attendees had the chance to enter to win great raffle prizes including a set of chef’s knives, gift baskets, wine, and event tickets. The raffle was possible thanks to the generosity of Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, Bianchi Winery, California Mid-State Fair, Crushed Grape, Edge Works Sharpening, Grocery Outlet, Halter Ranch Winery, J Connor Books, Kathy Strang, Kula Vineyards, Leonore Woolpert, Mea Wine, Miners Ace Hardware – Atascadero, Nancy Rangel, Opolo Vineyard, Ruby Cellars, Sandy Edmunson, Ward Roney, and Whalebone Winery
This year’s event raised $700 to benefit North County seniors through Meals That Connect. The weekday program provides local seniors in need a hot, noontime meal for free by delivery or as walk-up. The North County hub is located at the Atascadero Senior Center. For more details on the meal program visit www.mealsthatconnect.org.
The VFW 2814 is located at 9555 Morro Road near Santa Rosa Road in Atascadero. All proceeds benefit VFW 2814 and its programs that serve local veterans, their families, and the local community.
