Chili cook-off helps take chill out of the air for kids in need

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By LAURE CIOFFI

VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU

SHARON, Pa. — What started as a friendly rivalry between two Spencer Avenue neighbors has grown into a community event helping needy children.

Sharon firefighter Brian Scarmack said he and neighbor Rick Bruckner, a professional chef, started some late-night competitions on the grill last summer to see who was the better cook. Their thoughts then turned to fall chili.

From there the idea for a neighborhood chili cook-off grew into a communitywide event which will help the local Koats for Kids program.

"Everyone loves chili and everyone loves to cook it," said June Bruckner, Rick's wife, who is also a professional chef.

She said it just started out as a neighborhood cook-off, but grew after they decided a charity would benefit. They have nearly 40 people entered in Saturday's contest, which will take place at the 300 block of Spencer Avenue. The street will be closed to traffic.

Sharon's mayor and other officials will serve as the chili judges.

There will be activities for children as well as eight vendors on the street selling other food, Bruckner said.

Helping Koats for Kids

All proceeds will go to Koats for Kids, a charity in its 14th year that was started by John Maynard, operator of Sample O'Donnell Funeral Home in Sharon, when he noticed youngsters without coats walking to school in the winter.

Koats for Kids collects new and used winter coats, as well as money used to buy new coats for youngsters, which are distributed to those in need by Mercer County Head Start.

Stacey Dudash, Koats for Kids coordinator, said the chili cook-off donation is coming at a time of great need. She said donations have dropped off in the last few years and the need for coats has increased.

June Bruckner said all of the money from the $5 entry fee, as well as money raised at booths selling hot dogs and other food items will go to Koats for Kids. She added that they are urging people to bring children's coats. The coats can be gently used or new. They hope to fill the back of a pickup truck with coats.

"We were told last year they were 100 coats short [of the need]" Scarmack said. "Hopefully, we'll get enough to help."

Dudash noted that all monetary donations are used to buy new coats at Wal-Mart. The greatest need is for infants, preschool- and elementary-age children, she said.

cioffi@vindy.com

Sunday, October 1, 2006