The Merrillville High School Key Club and the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter (LFA) are hosting a Chili Cook-off Contest & Tasting event on Saturday, March 12th at Merrillville High School from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will be held at the school, located at 276 E. 68th Place, in the freshman wing cafeteria on the northeast side of the building, entrance J.
Applications for the contest are currently being accepted online at http://lfachilicookoff.kintera.org. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate. Registration forms are available at www.lupusindiana.org. Contestants are asked to submit a $25.00 refundable deposit upon registration. The contest is limited to the first paid and registered 20 contestants. Those without online access can call Nora Avilla, Chili Cook-Off & Tasting Chairperson at (219) 763-9213 for registration assistance.
Each contestant should provide an ample supply of chili to serve samples to guests. Last year, approximately 300 people attended the event. The chili should be prepared off-site and should be brought to the event in a container suitable for keeping the chili warm. Each contestant will be provided a table to display and serve the chili. Each contestant should provide a suitable tablecloth and any theme item to enhance the serving and presentation of the recipe. The LFA will provide taste cups, napkins, bowls and spoons. Condiments or additional spices that are normally served with the recipe should be provided by the contestant. This may include onions, cheese, crackers, hot sauces etc. A list of rules and suggestions is available.
Official judging at the event will take place between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The winning contestant for the Judges' Award for the Best All-Around Chili and the People's Choice Award will be presented at 6 p.m. First place winners in each category will be awarded prizes from the LFA.
The contestant with the most donations in his/her jar will win the “Hot Beans Award”. Contestants are encouraged to set up a fundraising web page at www.lfachilicookoff.kintera.org and sell copies of their recipes for $1 at the event. Funds raised will be credited to each contestant’s tip jar. Contestants may also choose to donate their $25 registration deposit to their tip jar. Fundraising is encouraged prior to the event. Funds raised at the event will be used for lupus awareness, education, support services and research.
Donations are being accepted for the event’s silent auction. Contact Nora Avilla at (219) 763-9213 to make a donation.
Admission to the event is $5.00. All lupus patients may receive a complimentary ticket by contacting Nora Avilla at (219) 763-9213. Each attendee will be entitled to a sample of every chili in the contest. Hot dogs, soft drinks and desserts from will also be available for purchase.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Steve Zana of Indiana 105. A celebrity judge panel will be lead by Times Columnist, Phil Potempa. Jo Jo the Clown will accept donations for the LFA for face painting.
Tickets will be available at the door or may be purchased in advance at Merrillville High school or Spring Mill Health Campus in Merrillville.
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Visit the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter Website
PO Box 68467
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: 800-948-8806
Approximately 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus. Based on 2006 census information, it is estimated that 34,187 of Indiana’s residents have lupus; including 2,671 residents in Lake County, 865 residents in Porter County and 597 residents in LaPorte County.
More than 5 million people worldwide struggle with the health consequences of lupus. Inflammation is considered the primary feature of lupus. Lupus is a potentially fatal autoimmune disease capable of damaging virtually any part of the body, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. In its most severe form, lupus can cause disfiguring rashes and scarring, multiple miscarriages, kidney, heart and lung failure, impaired neurological function, strokes, heart attacks and death.
Despite its enormous public health implications, lupus remains a dangerously under-recognized and under-appreciated health issue. More than half of all people with lupus suffer four or more years and visit three or more doctors before being diagnosed with lupus. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. There is an urgent need to educate patients and health care providers to achieve earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Improved management of lupus will reduce and prevent its adverse effects, particularly among those communities most severely affected.
Nine out of ten people with lupus are women. Eighty percent of new lupus cases are diagnosed among women ages 15 to 44.
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the nation's leading non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. Research, education, and patient services are at the heart of LFA's programs. The Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter provides awareness and education for the signs and symptoms of lupus for early diagnosis and treatment. Support group meetings are free and provide lupus education as well as peer support.
For more information about the LFA, call (800) 948-8806 toll free or log on to www.LupusIndiana.org. LFA CEO, Jan Ferris, can be reached at (317) 514-9308 or jan@lupusindiana.org.
Photo: Chili contestant winners gather with the event judges at the 2010 Chili Cook-Off Contest & Tasting.