Helping Hands Highlights

All of our wonderful participants! Left to right: Mike Messena, Pete Tibbs, David McMeen, Rev. Jim Melrose, Al Baltz

Our first highlight of many more is the 1st Annual Helping Hands Chili Cook-off! We hosted this event on February 22nd at Bon Aqua UMC, and it featured 6 delicious chilies that tasters could taste and vote on their favorite!

The amazing chilis were lovingly made by:

East Hickman Fire Department(Chef Mike Messena)

Pleasantville Fire Department(Chef Pete Tibbs)

Hickman County Rescue Squad(Chefs David and Amy McMeen)

Hickman County Chaplin(Chef Reverend Jim Melrose)

Centerville Fire Department(Chef Al Baltz)

Emergency Management Agency(Chef Sarah Stewart)

Rev Melrose’s “Chaps Delight” Chili took the First place trophy after much deliberation, and East Hickman Fire Department Mike Messena’s “ Cardiac Arrest” chili went on to win second place.

Heritage Bank sponsored the event that went on to raise over $1000 (Thank you Hertiage!) This money will kick start the fund for a much needed new box truck that will be used in tandem to help provide services such as food assistance, electric and water bill assistance, and much more.

There were no fires during the making or serving of the wonderful chilis! LOL

We deeply appreciate the contributions of each participant making and sharing their secret recipes and for sharing their time for our community. Hickman County is forever indebted to each one and their teams for their service and protection for each one of us. Thank you to all of our emergency responders and we hope to see all of you next year!

Our winners presented by our Executive Director Jeanne Beasley!