The 22nd Annual Chili Challenge is soon upon us, and with the unusually cold weather we have experienced this year, we can hope that one of the benefits of all the snow and sleet will be to inspire a great turnout for an outstanding cause. There is nothing like hot, lovingly prepared homemade chili to fight off Old Man Winter, and when doing so benefits Hospice of Limestone County, our community is helped all around. In these times of uncertainty regarding health care, and when our culture is increasingly encouraged to look to government to provide all our needs, it is a healthy statement that the private citizens of Limestone County are of a mind to see to it that excellent, highly professional end of life in-home care is provided for all those in need and their families. In my ten years of living in the area, I have seen them in action as the lives of the mothers of two friends came to a close, and in each case I was touched by the gentle, thorough and dignified Respite Care given to all by the Hospice staff.

In addition, Hospice of Limestone County sees to it that bereaved families have access to professionally trained counselors and support long after the initial shock of losing a loved one has passed. Their focus is not just adult children who have lost their parents or other loved ones. Camp Hope is operated specifically for grieving kids aged 5-12 in order to give them the help and tools they need to cope with tremendous loss at such a vulnerable age, have a chance to build community with their peers and adults who understand their situation, and even manage to have some fun in the process.

Hospice of Limestone County is the only not-for-profit hospice organization in the greater Athens area. Wanda Jackson, Sales Officer at Bank Independent in Downtown Athens, and one of the organizers of HOLC’s Chili Challenge, told me that "quality of care is not cost driven." Indigent care is also provided for those who have no financial means or the usual support system we have come to expect as being a normal part of our end of life journey.

Bottom line, all of it takes money, lots of it, and we have a way of making that happen through the Chili Challenge, while having a good time to boot! This year the Chili Challenge will be held at the Athens High School Gym on 27 February 2010, from 10 am to 2pm. As of 19 February, there is no more room for Chili Challengers to wrangle for the honor of being considered the best--all the slots are filled.

However, there is plenty of availability for folks to contribute items to the Silent Auction, even up until the day before the event. Every year there is a delightful menagerie of things from art work to services, antiques to children’s items, all contributed by local businesses and individual Athenians. HOLC will even assist by picking up items to be donated for the Auction. Call 256 232 5017, or bring items to the HOLC office located at 405 S Marion St. Athens, AL 35611.

Children are warmly welcome at the Challenge, and there are special events planned just for them. Musical entertainment provides a happy backdrop for community building, camaraderie, feasting and fellowship. The Athens High School Art Department created hand painted banners for the Challenge, and every year the decorations for the booths showcase our community’s creative abilities.

In addition to the usual custom designed T shirts, this year there will be hand painted aprons available for sale for $10. The Country Store will be laden with baked goods, canned goods, and other items sure to round out your culinary adventure.

Last year the Chili Challenge brought in approximately $43,000, and HOLC’s hope is that even in the middle of a recession, our town and county will see the need, come out, dig deep, chow down some dandy grub, have fun, and beat last year’s generous donation. Oh, and don’t forget the Rolaids!