Juana’s Pagodas 27th Annual Charity Chili Cookoff to benefit Caring & Sharing

MILTON — Juana's Pagodas will have the 27th annual charity chili cook-off to benefit Caring & Sharing of South Santa Rosa County.

Some of the activities during the chili cookoff include a raffle and a volleyball game at Juana's Pagodas and Sailor's Grill in Navarre Beach.

The event starts with chili and volleyball registration at 11 a.m. Oct. 10 at Juana’s Pagodas and Sailor’s Grill, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre Beach.

Chili set up is open until noon, with tasting from 2-4 p.m.

“We were unable to have an event last year, due to COVID-19, however in the past the raffle, chili cook-off competition, and volleyball tournament typically raises over $3,000 to help kick off the organizations fundraising for holiday distributions,” said Ann Thompson, Caring & Sharing president. “Marie Rudzki and the folks at Juana’s are a delightful and dependable team allowing the annual fundraiser to take place where people can enjoy the beach, volleyball, chili and salsa while raising dollars for locals in need.”

Registered attendees are the judges who choose the top three in five chili categories and salsa.

At 4 p.m., awards will be presented to the winners of the chili and salsa competitions. The next raffle prizes are pulled by ticket. Ticket holders must be present to win a prize.

To taste chili or enter a chili pot, there is a $10 donation per person at the door.

Registration for the volleyball tournament and entrance to chili tasting is $15 per person.

Chili competitors must bring precooked, warmed chili in a crock pot, with ladle, and/or salsa. Categories include Fowl Chili, Double Burner, Bean There Farted That, Carnivore Amore, and Judges Choice, plus salsa.

“The funds raised go towards nonperishable food purchases for Caring and Sharing clients,” said Robyn Philips, Caring & Sharing public liaison. “To spice it up this year we’re adding to our celebrities assisting with the ‘Judges Choice’ award. Here are a couple name drops: Captain Corey Mayhew, Navarre Beach Fire Rescue and Brian Marshall (previous member of Creed)."

For more information on the cook-off, go to Juana's Pagodas Chili Cookoff 2021.

One of the previous chili cookoffs raised more than $3,000 for Caring & Sharing of South Santa Rosa County. Pictured at a previous event are, from left,  Brenda Smith, Caring and Sharing Vice President; Ann Thompson, Caring and Sharing President, and Marie Rudzki, Juana’s Pagodas Manager.

Caring & Sharing is a 100-percent volunteer organization. There are no paid employees. It aids families and the elderly in South Santa Rosa County over the holidays, at a point when, typically, more assistance is needed to make a rough period a little less stressful on families and caregivers.

Those in need of its services must register with the organization to receive assistance. Registration dates for 2021 are 2-4 p.m. Oct. 16 and 17 and 5-8 p.m. Oct. 18 at Liberty Church, 6006 Gulf Breeze Parkway, located next to Meredith Lumber on U.S. Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze.

For more about Caring & Sharing, to gain assistance, volunteer, and/or donate, call 850-396-0321 and a volunteer member will return your call. Visit the website at https://santarosacares.org/ or Facebook page for more information.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosas Press Gazette: Juana’s Pagodas 27th Annual Charity Chili Cookoff to benefit Caring & Sharing