For the second consecutive year, the United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties has announced it will be canceling the annual Chili Cook-off that traditionally follows the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade on Nov. 13.
According to a recent press release, the decision was made in light of ongoing impacts and concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year’s Chili Cook-off event. Although it is very positive to see COVID numbers plateauing in our area, our organization feels it is important to be a strong community partner and assist in helping those numbers go down, not potentially aiding in them increasing again,” Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director said in the release.
“We simply do not feel, given the short duration of the cook-off and the large number of individuals who attend within a small space, that we could safely and in good conscious host the event. Although we love the community merriness it brings, the health and well-being of our communities has to remain our top priority,” Hartwick said.
The Chili Cook-off is held each year following the Holiday Parade and boasts 20 chili cookers serving their recipes to the public. On average, the event raises approximately $1,500 in support of the United Way campaign, the release stated.
“In a year that has brought the most difficult and unique fundraising challenges our organization has ever experienced, it was not easy to decide to cancel something that would further financially impact our organization,” Hartwick said.
A number of past chili cookers and volunteers had notified United Way that they would not be comfortable participating in the Chili Cook-off this year, and this also aided in United Way’s decision to cancel, Hartwick added.
Those interested in making a donation to the United Way’s local efforts are encouraged to mail a donation to 734 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, or make an online donation at https://uwjnwc.com/get-involved/give/.
“We appreciate everyone’s support and understanding regarding our decision, and we look forward to 2022 hopefully bringing us a year that we can once again fully and joyously celebrate with our communities,” Hartwick noted within the release.
Those with questions may contact the United Way office directly at (920) 563-8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com.
According to the release, the United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties’ mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in its communities, by providing support to community programs, projects and local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need.
Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end-of life-care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in the community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.
For more information about the local United Way, visit www.uwjnwc.com or “like” the Facebook page at “United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.” For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, visit www.volunteermain.com.
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