LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A hot bowl of chili is doing more than just warming up attendees—it’s helping fund local charities in Lima through this year’s Chili for Charity event.
Local nonprofits had the opportunity to pitch their programs in hopes of securing grant funding, with this year’s focus on youth mental health. Activate Allen County and the Mental Health Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin counties, along with several sponsors, provided funding for the top three organizations, which were selected by audience members.
Each attendee donated $10 for a chili lunch, with those funds contributing to an additional monetary award for the top vote-getter.
Each attendee donated $10 for a chili lunch, with those funds contributing to an additional monetary award for the top vote-getter. The Autism Life Center and Maddy’s House by Church on the Rock each received $8,000, while Warrior’s Way’s new youth archery program secured $9,500.
“There’s a lot to be learned in archery,” said Jeffrey Dauterman of Warrior’s Way. “It’s patience, it’s understanding, it’s self-worth. It’s so rewarding to watch a child do something they didn’t believe they could at the beginning. That’s really what our program is going to be based on. And we’re going to be working with the Bradfield Center, the United Way, and Activate Allen County.”
Warrior’s Way’s new youth archery program secured $9,500.
This marks the second year for Chili for Charity, and organizers say they plan to continue the event next year.
