The ongoing efforts continue for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1980 as they continue to fundraise after discovering financial discrepancies over the past several years.
While the VFW Post 1980 was the venue and the beneficiary of the event, Sunday’s Chili Cook-Off/Feed was actually organized by ABATE of Kansas. With a donation of $5, residents were able to enter the contest for best-tasting chili, or they would be able to partake in the feast. The band Aftermath also performed live at the event.
Kathy Watkins, who prepared the “Blissful Boneless Brisket Chili,” was thrilled to be a part of the fundraising efforts for the VFW.
Post Commander Michael White gave an update on the Post’s financial struggles, which came to light last fall after it apparently inadvertently failed to pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service from 2014-2018. Prior to the Chili Cook-Off/Feed, the Post had raised around $25,000 — enough to clear the tentative goal of $20,000 to offset past tax amounts to the Internal Revenue Service and a start against over $50,000 in building updates and broken or out-of-date utilities. White credits much of the recent success to partners like ABATE of Kansas.
Mike Conner had the best tasting chili, while Brian Mounkes had the hottest entry. Fundraising totals are pending.
For more information on VFW Post 1980, or to assist in the fundraising efforts, call the Post at (620) 342-9864.
Photos from Devon Swartz/KVOE News
{gallery}020920 VFW Chili Cookoff{/gallery}
