Run to Crush Hunger, Chili Cook-off bring Elwood area residents together
Oct. 21—ELWOOD — As steam rose from a large cauldron of chili beneath a tent along South B Street, Paul Abbott let slip his secret to a good bowl of stew.
"I'm not so sure we've ever made chili the same twice," he said with a smile. "We add different things, try different things."
Abbott, a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5782, called himself a Chili Cook-off rookie. He entered his recipe — consisting of four meats, vegetables and "anything else that goes in chili" — to support the philanthropic activities fostered by Red Gold, which annually sponsors the Run to Crush Hunger and Chili Cook-off.
"It's just nice to come up here and support them and see everybody else out supporting the community and what it stands for," he said.
In addition to enticing dozens of chili connoisseurs to share their creations, the daylong event drew hundreds of runners to participate in 5K and 10K races and a family-friendly, mile-long walk.
Organizers said more than 700 participants were registered for the races, and the event was on pace to exceed last year's record amount — $70,000 — raised to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and the George Morrissette Food Pantry in Elwood.
"Elwood is a big community, but it's a small community, and we're very tight-knit," said Emily Ault, one of the event's organizers who works as a human resources assistant and event organizer at Red Gold. "We want to uplift people in this community and we do that through food, being a food manufacturer.
"Fighting hunger is something we're passionate about," she added, "and (the races have) just grown over the last 12 years to something like we could have never imagined."
The 5K and 10K races are growing in stature, attracting entrants from across the state.
"Hunger is something that is all over the world, and the fact that we're trying to help and feed people that actually need food is an amazing thing," said Adrian Rocha, an Indianapolis resident who works for a software company that has Red Gold as a customer.
"I would never want to see myself in that position. I've known people who have been in a difficult position, and just being able to help, I'll do whatever I can."
Elwood city officials were pleased with Saturday's turnout, acknowledging that the chili contest — in its 35th year — combined with the races and a variety of family-friendly activities, is a centerpiece on the city's calendar.
"It brings an influx of people to our city," Elwood Mayor Todd Jones said. "We're just so thankful for Red Gold and for the Elwood Chamber of Commerce for partnering to put this on, to have a direct benefit for our city. It's been a staple in this community for a very long time."
Follow Andy Knight on Twitter @Andrew_J_Knight, or call 765-640-4809.
