Home Community Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church chili cook-off benefited DAIS

Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church chili cook-off benefited DAIS

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Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church chili cook-off benefited DAIS

By David Hart
Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church

It certainly has been chilly outside this winter season, but Dec. 16 it was also chili inside. That’s because the people of Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church got together that day for a chili cook-off.

The event was traditional in many ways. Several chili chefs brought crockpots brimming with chili — some with beans and beef, some with green sauce and chicken, some with zucchini and vegetables, and even one with alligator meat. Dozens of people tested, tasted and sampled, and many gobbled up second and third helpings. The list of favorites was as varied and diverse as the chili chefs and tasters themselves.

While this chili cook-off was traditional in many respects, it was distinct in one important manner. “Everyone won,” said Azure Fudge Hart, the cook-off coordinator. “The chefs made amazing chili, our tasters got to sample some delightful food and the community was better off for it.”

Fudge Hart was referring to the cook-off’s underlying purpose — to collect donations and hygiene items for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS). “We were able to collect toiletries and hygiene items for those in need in our community. What a positive,” she said.

Sherman Avenue United Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches on the Northside. Poised to grow with the Northside, the church has homeless ministries, tutoring and gardening ministries and programs for youth. Sherman Church has a service Sundays at 9:30 am and an 11:30 am service in Hmong.