HIGHLANDS The 40th Annual Chili Feast and Raffle was a rousing success, according to chairman Larry White. The event was held last Saturday, at the St. Judes Catholic Church on Main Street in Highlands.
White reported that the raffle was completely sold out, with 700 tickets sold at $100 each, for a chance to win one of 16 prizes. The top prize was a new vehicle, the winners choice of a 2015 Ford Mustang, or a 2015 Ford F-150 supercab pickup truck. White noted that this truck was the new model with aluminum body, and has been in high demand. Baytown Ford has only a few, and provided one for the raffle.
The winner of the top prize was Gary Clemmons of Baytown. The winning ticket was sold to him by Rotarian Teresa Martin.
Rotary Chili Feast chair Larry White, and president Raymond Gonzalez, announced that the event had been quite successful, netting about $85,000 which will be used for community projects through the year. The net amount is about $20,000 more than previous years, indicating the amount of support from the community.
Several hundred persons attended the event, which is always enjoyed for its good chili, renewing old friendships, and the thrill of the auctions and raffle draw.
Rotarians and local businesses sold 700 tickets to the raffle. Betty Brewer was the high ticket seller, with 143 sold. Auctioneer Lynn Spell sold about 75 donated items, to help raise an additional $23,750 for the club. There was also a silent auction, and a card draws for a shotgun and a TV. In addition, a number of local businesses contributed as sponsors to the event.
Major sponsors included Dependable Diesel, Eddie and Cathy Frautschi, Sterling White Funeral Home, Jeff Moore, Jerry and Julie Fallin, Charlies Ice House, Charlie Ward, Community Toyota Honda Kia, Roger Elswick, Megasand Enterprises, Brenda Moore, Basic Equipment, Amegy Bank, Tom Hill, Churck & Carol Radney, Oilwell Tubular Consultants, Rosenkranz State Farm, Jeremy Rosenkranz, Texas Citizens Bank, Teresa Martin, Joe Stelphens, Jr., Robert Woodall Enterprises, Porter Truck Sales, Central Auto Inspections, Johnny Gaeke, Griffith Truck and Equipment, Bruce Griffith, Certi-Fab Industries, Woodforest National Bank, United Community Credit Union, Capital Bank, Allegiance Bank, Ignacio Pujol, Jr., Harris County Insurance Center, Murff Turf.
The Chili Feast is in its 40th year, the first year being 1976. The first raffle for an automobile was held in 1983, with Gladys Burton winning a 1983 Cadillac.