Chili Cookoff At Veterans Memorial Park, Oct. 7

St. John’s United is holding a chili cookoff and tasting fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon-4 p.m. at the pavilion in Veteran’s Memorial Park.

The event is a fundraiser and donations are appreciated but tasting is free to those who bring a hygiene product such as: shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, toothpaste, Kleenex, mouthwash, razors, adult diapers, body soap, and deodorant or article of warm clothing. Local chili makers, lovers, and connoisseurs are invited to come participate or just have a nice, warm cup. There will be prizes for the top three winners. The proceeds will go to the aging community who struggles during the winter months and holidays to properly provide for themselves.

Even though this is their first fundraiser in Richland County, Senior Connect, a branch of St. John’s United has been coming to places in Richland County once a month since October 2022. The free advocates come to clients’ homes and get them signed up for services to help fill in their gaps of care related to food, health, transportation, socialization, housekeeping, and any other obstacle that would prevent them from living at home.

Jess Eichel, senior connect manager said, “We would like to bring the services we offer in Billings and Missoula to Sidney like “At Home”, a service where they do things for clients in their homes to help keep them in their desired home for as long as possible such as prepare meals, help with medication reminders, housekeeping, assist with bill pay, grocery shopping, change a light bulb, minor indoor repair, lawn care, or farm and ranch chores. They work closely with the Alliance on Aging but are not affiliated with them.

St. John’s United is a part of the Rural Aging Action Network, a national collaborative dedicated to expanding sustainable community-based services and supports for older adults who are underserved in rural Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. If you are looking for services, wanting to donate to, or be involved in this community event contact Eichel at 406-478-0951 or check out St. John’s Senior Connect on Facebook.