Red Cross Chili Dinner set for Friday

Sponsors of the Red Cross Chili Supper are preparing for the annual fundraising dinner set for Feb. 26 at the National Guard Armory. Rita Ferguson with Delta Theta Thau Sorority, Jane Hansen with the Putnam Inn, Robin Hazelbaker, Chef from the Waters of Greencastle, Barbara South, Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Waters of Greencastle, Cindy Schrader and Kathy Skeel co-chairmen of the Red Cross Chili Supper looked over supplies during a recent planning session.

GREENCASTLE -- With snow still on the ground and temperatures in the 20's and 30's it's the perfect time for the annual Wabash Valley Chapter of the America Red Cross Chili Dinner fundraiser Feb 26 at the National Guard Armory.

Hungry visitors can get a bowl of chili, cornbread, drink and dessert for a free will offering. They can also enjoy entertainment, bid on silent auction items, and pick up information from emergency management personnel and the United Way.

Local restaurants are also supporting the event by serving Red Cross Chili on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. Almost Home will serve it for lunch and dinner on Feb. 23. Mama Nunz will serve it for lunch and dinner on Feb. 24. Bert & Betty's and Chiefs will offer the chili for lunch on Feb. 24. Treasures on the Square will offer the chili for lunch on Feb. 25.

The silent auction is always a big hit at the event. This year's auction items include gift baskets from Cabot Cheese of Vermont, Craftmakers 2, Jameson Coffee, Wabash Capital, Chateau Thomas Winery, Humphrey's Outdoor and USborne Books.

There are football tickets for Purdue and Ball State and baseball tickets for the Indianapolis Indians as well as a Colts wood carving from 4:13 Creations.

There are overnight stays at the Walden Inn, Crown Plaza Hotel, Comfort Inn downtown Indianapolis, tickets to Conner Prairie, Indianapolis ice Hockey, Indianapolis Children's Museum and Holiday World.

A one-month membership to Curves and a gym membership to Snap Fitness are in the auction. There is a $25 gift certificate to Mona Lisa Spa and Salon, a corn hole board and bags from Wood Builders and Vera Bradley Purse from Wood and Associates, $100 savings bond from Teachers Credit Union and $50 savings bond from First National Bank and a dinner for two at the Fluttering Duck.



Several local organizations contribute to the success of the event every year. The Waters of Greencastle provides the chili and cornbread, Delta Theta Tau makes all the desserts, and the Putnam Inn furnishes drinks.



Local disc jockey Mike Welsh of Sounds Unlimited donates his time and musical talents to entertain folks for the evening. Olivia Humphreys will sing the national anthem and Local Boy Scouts will present the colors of the flag kicking off the event at 6:15 p.m. They will be followed by Olivia Humphreys singing the national anthem and opening remarks by Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray and Red Cross Executive Director Carol Stevens.

Chili will be served throughout the evening and silent auction bids will be closed at 8:15 p.m.



Putnam County emergency management personnel will give demonstrations and provide information at booths. The Greencastle City Police have car seat safety information. The Greencastle Fire Department provides smoke detector instructions and their mascot Sparky is always one of the highlights of the night. Operation Life will also be present.

A free will offering is taken at the door. The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Greencastle National Guard Armory. For more information contact Kathy Skeel at 653-6616 or Cindy Schrader at 317-441-9316.