ELGIN—The biggest annual fundraiser for the Elgin Knights of Columbus Council #654 returns Feb. 25 for all chili lovers. 

 

The Chili for Charity cook-off and dinner will be Feb. 25, 3:30-7 p.m., at the St. Thomas More gym, 1625 W. Highland Ave. Proceeds from the event benefit Elgin Catholic schools, soup kitchens and youth sports. 

 

The dinner will include many chilis to taste — in past years, up to 48 recipes — as well as hot dogs, sides and beverages. The evening also includes family entertainment and raffles. 

 

Chili cooks can find contest applications at the Knights’ Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/elginkofc. Cooks must provide 6-8 quarts of chili to be eligible for judging.

Set-up starts at 11 a.m., and judging begins at 1 p.m. 

 

The entry fee for adults is $20/person; students of Catholic schools in the area are free. The first place student prize is $50 and a trophy for the school; adult prizes range from $60 up to $400. “Best in class” awards of $50 are also awarded for hot, medium and mild chili. 

 

Cost is $10 at the door or $9 if purchased ahead of time. Contact Marshall Spangler at 847-606-1605 or m.span50@yahoo.com for tickets.

 

To further support the event, contact Marshall Spangler (above) or Chris Gulik at 630-643-5351 or chrisgulik@sbcglobal.net. The Knights are looking for food donations, raffle prizes, volunteers, advertising and more.