Mid-Prairie will fundraise for prom with chili cook-off

WELLMAN — Prom organizers are trying a new fundraiser for Mid-Prairie’s prom this year: a chili-making contest where diners can vote with their cash.

Mid-Prairie High School Secretary and fundraiser organizer Megan Neal said the new approach would hopefully prove popular given the winter weather.

“We thought it was going to be cold outside and tried to mix things up a bit and do something different,” she said. “They’ve done T-shirt sales in the past, or bake sales, so we thought, ‘Let’s get the community together and do a chili cook-off.’”

Neal said interested participants could contact her through the high school. The entries will be lined up for community tasting at the high school Jan. 12. Each contestant’s product will sit near a bucket where participants can place freewill donations for their favorite chili.

“Whichever pot has the most money at the end gets a trophy and bragging rights for the best chili,” she said, adding that another prize would be given to the “most unique chili.”

The contest will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Mid-Prairie High School, where the school will also be hosting a basketball game. Awards will be announced during half-time.

“We don’t really have a goal in mind,” Neal said. “We just want enough where we can have a great prom, and make some good memories for the kids.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com