Monon Bell chili cook-off fundraiser aids A-Way Home

DePauw University Prof. Wade Hazel (left) serves his chili while Wabash College Prof. Wally Novak (center) looks on. A-Way Home Shelter Board member Bill Wieland (right) came out to show his support and thanks.

While the DePauw Tigers did not pull out a win the Monon Bell football game, Greencastle's A-Way Home shelter certainly did. Contestants from DePauw and Wabash brought their best chili cooking game to the fundraiser in support of the shelter.

"We had a great time! It was fun to see everyone gather from both schools to show their support!" said Tavia Pigg, who orchestrated the event. "We had seven contestants enter the chili cook-off and we'd like to send out our thanks to each one."

Ethan Hollander, Sara Drury and Wally Novak from Wabash each contributed their recipes. Alia Hazel and Chris Shuck, Steve Gregory, Rick and Angie Smock, and Wade Hazel were the contestants from DePauw.

"Everyone brought something unique," Chris Shuck commented. "One recipe had peanut butter, another was made with squash and our recipe had its own secret ingredient," Shuck said smiling.

Though he wouldn't reveal the secret ingredient, the chili he and Alia Hazel made took home the trophy by collecting $65 in "votes."

DePauw Prof. Dave Roberts and Eric Krag brought out home-brewed beer for tasting. Wabash Prof. Mark Elrod also contributed homemade beer and represented Wabash College's Brew Club.

"The important thing is that we raised $500 to donate to the A-Way Home Shelter," Pigg said. "That's what we all came out here for. We're so thankful the community came out to show its support!"

The competition will move to Crawfordsville next year and the proceeds will go to the charity of the Wabash host's choosing.