Chili for Champions

Operation Horses Heal held their third annual Chili Cook Off on Saturday, September 6 at the Chelsea Conservation Club. Operation Horses Heal brings inclusive support to veterans, active service members and their immediate families through equine-related activities. Founder Rachael Loucks stated that the cook off is their largest fundraiser of the year, and with the smell of chili in the air and an abundance of fun Western- and veteranthemed raffle items, it’s easy to see why.

The clubhouse was buzzing as the Sonic Sorcerers DJ Service cranked out country tunes and visitors made second, third, and fourth trips back for chili in between carousing raffle baskets. The winners were: people’s choice medium, Justin Kowaleski; people’s choice hot, Kimberly Hall; people’s choice mild, Stu Amundson; most patriotic dessert, Shonna Podolak; military branch dessert, Lynn Amundson; judge’s choice mild, John Bourgeois; judge’s choice medium, Edwin Pocock; and judge’s choice hot, Kimberly Hall. But with the opportunity to support veterans and sample fine cooking, everyone left a winner.

Operation Horses Heal is always looking for additional volunteers to serve those who have served for you. “Community events like this are what keep our services free to any vet, active military and their families,” said Loucks.