HIGHLANDS – Hundreds of enthusiastic local residents gathered last Saturday for the annual Rotary Club Chili Feast.
For the second year in a row, the winner of the new vehicle in the Chili Feast Raffle was a walk-in, buying their $100 ticket at the door. Actually, Frankie Brewer and Gene Lenamond bought five tickets, and one of them turned out to be the lucky one.
The Rotary Club’s 44th Annual Chili Feast was a great success, according to officials with the club. President-elect Sheila McDonald made a report to the club at their luncheon on Tuesday, reporting that the gross receipts for the event are in line with previous years, even though the attendance and ticket sales were down slightly.
The club grossed about $88,000, and netted about $54,000, according to treasurer Tricia Scott. This money will be used throughout the year for local community projects and support for organizations, scholarships, and international aid projects.
McDonald was the chairman of the Chili Feast, which is put on with the help of the scouts, local interact clubs, and wives of the Rotarians.
Top ticket sellers again this year were Betty Brewer, Weston Cotten, Jerry Fallin, and Patricia Scott.
Rick Loggins was the auctioneer for the Live Auction.
As the raffle drawing progressed, anticipation grew as to who would win the new vehicle, the top prize in the raffle. When the last number was drawn, the winner was Baytown resident Frankie Brewer, with Gene Lenamond.
The runner-up in the drawing, with the 699th ticket drawn, were Raymond and Linda Martin, who won an Apple Watch but came ever so close to the vehicle.
In addition to the raffle, the day’s events included a great chili luncheon, and a live auction and a silent auction. Together these auctions brought in about $40,000.
The live auction had over 60 lots, donated by local businesses and Rotarians. Some of the featured items included an autographed football from Texans Quarterback DeShaun Watson, a popcorn machine, Astros Quilt, a Go Big or Go Home 2019 Belt Buckle donated by Scott Stephens, tools, Red White & Blue bench, USA Flag, wooden swing, pressure washer, golf basket, tickets to the Crosby Fair & Rodeo, Autographed picture of Jose Altuve, generator, George Strait framed art, newspaper ad, pink cooler, Barbecue Pit shaped like a bull, Tickets to Brooks & Dunn, wine basket, Autographed Alex Bregman picture, tickets to Brad Paisley, homemade cinnamon rolls by Junior Forest, ice chest, park bench, Michel Kors satchel, bar by Andy Scott, liquor cart for a Super Bowl party, weekend hunting trip for an African Oryx, fireworks, and more.