Fraternity to host chili cook-off Saturday

This Saturday in the District, the men of the Mississippi Gamma chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Southern Mississippi will be hosting their seventh annual Chili Cook-Off.

For the past seven years, the Chili Cook-Off has been a philanthropic and community favorite event. Fifteen teams are signed up to participate, and local musician Gary Stanton will be playing music and singing at the event.

Josh Williams, president of SigEp, said this year’s cook-off is unlike any other.

“After many years of donating the proceeds of this event to another wonderful cause, the men of SigEp came together and have decided to donate our money to a local cause: The Haven House of Hattiesburg,” Williams said. “The Haven House is a part of the AIDS Services Coalition and is open for the sole purpose to provide support to homeless individuals in the Pine Belt area living with HIV/AIDS.”

Williams also said this is the first year there will be no entry fee at the door. There will be a donation bucket placed near the entrance so those attending can donate anything they feel led to donate.

“Along with free food and live entertainment, we will be auctioning off various merchandise and gift cards in a silent auction in efforts to raise more money for those in need of the services provided by The Haven House,” Williams said.

Many look forward to the variety of chili prepared and served on site each year. Those who have competed in the past have prepared everything from traditional chili to Mexican-style chili, and it was even reported that a Cajun-style chili with crawfish made an appearance last year.

John Hii, a senior SigEp member and Chili Cook-Off coordinator, encouraged everyone to sign up by Friday for the event.

“There is a $50 entry fee, and teams are still encouraged to sign up,” Hii said. “My favorite part about this specific event is the fun shared with the community and the brothers of SigEp. A day of service while enjoying ourselves is a good day in Sigma Phi Epsilon’s book.”

“The event is always a lot of fun for the community and has been known to cause a good bit of friendly competition between competing teams,” Williams said. “The men of SigEp are really looking forward to seeing everybody out at the District on Saturday for a good time supporting a great cause.”

For more information on how to enter the Chili Cook-Off, contact Hii at Siew.Hii@eagles.usm.edu by Friday.