VINTON–Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church in Vinton held a Chili Cook-off on November 13 to benefit the Thrasher Weekday Preschool.
Pastor B. Failes said the organizers were overwhelmed with the attendance and support–the Jones Fellowship Hall was packed for the event.
Judges Jim Brogan, Star Song, and Spence Peters chose Michael Hasting’s “Snowy Owl Chili” as the “Most Unique”—no owls were involved. Jason Childress and his sous chef daughter Payten’s “I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghost” chili was named the “Hottest.” Will Hebert’s “My Husband was Supposed to Do This” chili was judged “Best Overall.”
![Winners of the Chili Cook-off fundraiser at Thrasher Memorial were (left to right) Michael Hastings, Payten and Jason Childress, and Will and Amy Hebert. Pastor B. Failes (far right) had high hopes of winning to no avail.](http://ourvalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Chili-Cook-off-photo-1-resized-300x154.jpg)
The preschoolers thanked those who came out to support their school with handmade cards of appreciation.
![This young man sampled the "I Ain't Afraid of No Ghost" chili.](http://ourvalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Chili-Cook-off-photo-2-resized-300x202.jpg)
Earlier in the week the preschoolers from Thrasher visited Wood’s Service Center located just across the street on Washington Avenue.
![The Chili Cook-off at Thrasher benefited the Thrasher Weekday Preschool shown here visiting Wood's Service Center.](http://ourvalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Chili-Cookoff-photo-3-Thasher-visits-Woods-resized-300x168.jpg)
“Wood’s Service Center was honored to have the Thrasher School kids spend some time with us this week,” said owner Tommy Wood. “They made our day. These kids are our future and we thank them so much for coming to spend some time with us.”