- April 26, 2024
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The fundraiser benefits the Children’s Home Society.
A bowling alley might sound like an unusual place for a chili cook-off fundraiser, but the one at Ormond Lanes, 260 N. U.S. 1, grows each year, raising an increasing amount of money to support the Children’s Home Society, according to organizers.
Tina Kirk, lounge manager, started Tina’s Chili Cook-off five years ago. The first year, it was a small event in the lounge and raised about $300. In later years, she added bowling, a pool tournament and karaoke. Last year, they had about 30 entries of chili, including eight from restaurants, and raised $3,000, Kirk said.
This year’s event is Feb. 1 and she is currently seeking restaurants and households who want to enter for a chance to win a trophy. There are also raffles and door prizes.
This year, Kirk has added a category for a parent and child team.
“I want to get the family together to encourage kids to get in the kitchen and learn to cook,” she said.”
Those who do not bring chili, but participate in bowling or pool, can also taste and judge the chili. Last year, there were 185 bowlers.
The Children’s Home Society has been the beneficiary of the event all five years.
“They do so much for children in our community,” she said. “They protect children and teach them to become good citizens. The youth is our future and they need our support and guidance.”
Fran Todd, owner of Ormond Lanes, said having a chili cook-off only sounds unusual to people who have not been to bowling centers in a long time.
“This is a 21st Century bowling center,” she said.
There are a variety of events at the lanes, including company outings, bachelor parties, birthday parties, etc.
“There’s a new template for bowling centers,” she said. “We do a lot of fundraisers. In October, there’s a cancer fundraiser and Junior Achievement has several events.”
The event is on Super Bowl Sunday, but held early enough in the afternoon so that the cook-off can be a “”Pre-Super Bowl” party. Some people stay and watch the first half on the large screen TVs, Todd said.
Kirk is grateful to Todd for letting her have the event each year, and thanks Dolly McKitrick of Dolly's Floral Bouquets, Jessica Nelson and Angel Moore.
“They have volunteered their time every year to help,” she said, adding she wants to thank all the volunteers through the years.
Another person who volunteers is Kim Pleasants, local executive director of the Children’s Home Society. The nonprofit agency provides foster homes for children when they are removed from their home in a court ruling, often because of abuse. The parents normally have court-ordered actions they must take to get the family back together.
“I was ladling chili last year,” Pleasants said. “It was a lot of fun. Ormond Lanes was packed.’
There are 77 licensed foster homes in Volusia County, as well as group homes for males, females and siblings.
Pleasants said the money raised by the cook-off helps pay for school clothes, books, tutoring, extra-curricular activities, etc.
“We also provide counseling services for the kids and adults,” she said.
She said the event helps to raise awareness of the society. The Web site is chsfl.org.
The cost is $20 to enter the chili contest, $20 to bowl and $10 to play pool. The sign-in for the bowling and pool is 12:30 p.m. and the sign-in to enter the chili cook-off is 1:30 p.m. Chili tasting is at 3 p.m.
For information, call Kirk at 672-2014.
