Chili Wars Raises $1,000 for 5th Corner

The heat was on at the Saturday as an army of crock pot-carrying contestants descended upon the teen center for the inaugural Chili Wars.

The event raised raises close to $1036.47, most of which will used to pay for events at Saline’s student-driven teen center.

Peter Rufener, Program Director for 5^th Corner, estimated that more than 200 people visited the center during the event.

“It was a great day. I want to thank all the volunteers and all the people who came out here today. People had a good time and we raised more money than we expected,” Rufener said.

The teen center’s student board will use the money to finance events. The board plans to rent sumo wrestling suits for an upcoming wrestling tournament.

Patrons went from station to station, sampling chili from the 15 contestants. Guests were asked to vote for their favorite chili by dropping dollars in a jar on each contestant’s table. At the end of the day, whoever raised the most money won the Chili Wars.

The winner was Jody Roberts, who works for Saline Recreation. A portion of the day’s proceeds will go to her selected non-profit, the Saline Youth Council.

“It was a great event and the fact that so many people came out to support the teen center means a lot to me and to our community. Our pre-teens and teens need our support and Chili Wars was the perfect program to earn money for them and show the teen center to people who hadn't been there before,” said Roberts. “I want to thank everyone who contributed to Saline Youth Council's coffers today. It's so exciting that we won! The money will be used to promote teen programs and events.”

Roberts’ name was forever forged in 5^th Corner history when she became the first Chili Wars champion to etch her name on the trophy—a toilet seat.

“It was a dream come true,” she joked.

The community can support the 5^th Corner Teen Center next week. People are invited to recycle electronics at the 5^th Corner from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.  Proceeds from the event, organized by the Saline Environmental Commission, will benefit the teen center.

The 5^th Corner is located at 211 Willis Rd.