The Black River Coliseum was filled with laughter and good times Saturday as the community came together for the 21st annual Chili Cook-off.

Greg Kirck, director of the Gospel Rescue Mission, said, "This event is important to us, and it's our biggest event outside of Thanksgiving, which helps fund our mission. Last year, we were able to serve 53,693 meals."

Kirck explained that $10,000 was raised at last year's fundraiser, but there is no specific fundraising goal.

Black River Coliseum

"I call this event a friendrasier rather than a fundraiser, that's what's important to us, meaningful relationships," he said.

Approximately 25 teams participated in the event, with hundreds offering their expertise as taste-testers.

With almost a $1 million budget, Kirk continued, the $10,000 is like sprinkles on the ice cream; the mission is more concerned with relationships.

Borrowed Time Real Estate

He said, "Gina Ginocchio and Borrowed Time Real Estate is an example. She donated two years in a row and was presented with the Fundraiser of the Year award."

These donations allow the mission to continue its feeding program.

"The needs have increased, and we are feeding about 25% more every day," Kirck said. "We used to feed 75-80 in a day, now we're feeding 120 and sometimes more. It doesn't cost the client anything, but it costs the mission a lot."

Reading between the lines

Kirck looked around at the turnout of the community Saturday and explained just how much the mission is loved by the community.

"A lot of people just come out because we are here, and they know it's going to be a good time," he said.

Kirck says he enjoys all of the chili, but the spicier the chili, the more he's going to gravitate toward it.

A closer look

Jude Funke, a Poplar Bluff High School student, was walking around proudly representing his school wearing a Mules crewneck when he stopped to comment on what he thought about the event.

This event is important to us, and it's our biggest event outside of Thanksgiving, which helps fund our mission. Last year, we were able to serve 53,693 meals.

Why this lands now

Dining rooms change slowly and then all at once: a new chef, a refurbishment, a shift in the neighbourhood, and suddenly the place has a different identity.

The short version

  • The Black River Coliseum was filled with laughter and good times Saturday as the community came together for the 21st annual Chili Cook-off
  • Greg Kirck, director of the Gospel Rescue Mission, said, "This event is important to us
  • Kirck explained that $10,000 was raised at last year's fundraiser, but there is no specific fundraising goal
  • With almost a $1 million budget, Kirk continued, the $10,000 is like sprinkles on the ice cream; the mission is more concerned with relationships
  • "The needs have increased, and we are feeding about 25% more every day," Kirck said

All told

Whether this marks the start of something larger or simply reflects the moment, it is a fair indication of the direction things are heading.