Monon Chili Bowl to raise funds for A-Way Home shelter

The Monon Bell football rivalry between DePauw University and Wabash is one of college footballs oldest. The schools annually compete for the coveted Monon Bell and the right to brag for the next school year.

It is always an event, sparking parties across the country among alumni and a busy weekend in the city the game is played.

The game returns to Greencastle this year.

This year also brings an effort by a few locals to harness the power of the Monon tradition. This Saturday, starting at 10:30 a.m., will mark the first unofficial Monon Chili Bowl.

The fundraiser is organized by Tavia Pigg, assistant director of the Science Research Fellows Program at DePauw.

"The inspiration really came from the recent news that Greencastle would be closing its homeless shelter," she said. "A few of us were discussing how we could help reopen the shelter, and we decided this would be fun for residents of Greencastle, DePauw and Wabash alumni alike."

The A-Way Home Shelter on Franklin Street closed in September due to lack of funding.

"It's nice to see people are paying attention to their community and want to sustain it," said Dick Shuck, Greencastle Housing Authority board member. "This is a great way to raise money to reopen the shelter."

Different types of chili will be provided Saturday, beginning at 10:30 a.m. A ticket costs $5 at the event, and gives the bearer 10 tastings of chili.

The winner will be declared based on the contributions people make to each chili cook.

"We will have jars out at each table, and people can 'vote' for their favorite chili by dropping cash in their jar," Pigg said. "All of the money will be donated to the shelter fund, so bring your change!"

Names of some of the chili offered at the event include "Southwest Tequila Chili," "47-0 White Bean Chili," "Touchdown Chili" and "Dilemma Chili" to name a few.

Chili fans can stop by 816 S. College Ave. in Greencastle (across the street from Longden Hall) to taste chili, enjoy hot chocolate and cider, and predict who will win the Monon Chili Bowl.

The event will end when the football game starts around 1 p.m.