Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
It was an almost picture perfect afternoon on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Madison RV and Golf Resort for their Second Annual Chili Cook-off. Many of the participants in this year's cook-off were residents of the RV park. All the proceeds from the cook-off went to Amber's Rainbows, a budding local charity.
Amber's Rainbows is a local charity still in the making. When it becomes fully operational, it will be a source of assistance, primarily for people who are facing medical issues, such as cancer treatments. It is the brainchild of Deborah Kervin, a retired nurse who recently lost her daughter, Amber Le, to cancer. Through fundraising efforts, a significant amount of money had been raised to help with Amber's treatments, so much that money was left over. Kervin decided to use those leftover funds to start a non-profit to “help people in need.” Some of the services anticipated to be given through Amber's Rainbows is to help with transportation to and from treatments, providing lodging for families of patients in the hospital, helping people navigate the health care system, serving as an advocate for patients and families and more. “We, first of all, want Amber's Rainbows to serve God,” said Kervin. “Second, I want this to be a memorial to Amber, because she was one of the most giving people I ever knew.”
For Brian Faircloth, owner of the Madison RV and Golf Resort, this is something that hits close to his heart on a personal level. “Having lost my mom and several other family members to cancer, it's very important that we do all we can to fight cancer,” said Faircloth. “In an effort to give back to the community, it was our pleasure to host the Second Annual Madison RV and Golf Resort Chili Cook-off. I want to personally thank all of the individuals that prepared chili, everyone that participated in the tasting and to our judges. They did a fantastic job.” An estimated $2,300 was raised during the event.
Tasked with the tough decision of choosing the best among a wide array of delicious chili were the judges for the event. Madison County Commissioner Ronnie Moore, Madison County Sheriff David Harper and Greene Publishing, Inc. reporter/writer Rick Patrick served as judges for the event. First, attendees sampled all 10 entries and voted on their favorites. The judges then sampled the top five and narrowed that down to the top three finishers. It was a unanimous decision from the judges that all the entries were very tasty. When all the finalists were sampled and palates were cleansed, the decision was made. Michelle Page, from Ottawa, Ont. Canada took first place. Rene Tallman was the second place winner. Previous winner, Steve Califf, from Valdosta, Ga. took third place. It was agreed that everyone was a winner for being able to enjoy a beautiful afternoon with some great chili and fellowship, while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Amber's Rainbows is still seeking volunteers to serve on their board of directors. Anyone wishing to assist this organization is urged to contact Kervin at (719) 371-5460.