Chili maestros, dust off your recipes. The American Legion Riders are rolling a cook-off into town.

The American Legion Riders donate to a wide range of charities, all with an eye to helping veterans, and plans are underway for one of the local chapter’s most popular fundraisers. L-R: Jean Buurma, Debi Kunzelman and Becky Whitaker meet at Cravingz to plan the American Legion Riders 9th annual Chili Cook-Off.

By Patrice Johnson

At first glance, an observer might assume that American Legion Riders are all about riding motorcycles, but you know what they say about ass-u-me. The Riders donate to a wide range of charities, all with an eye to helping veterans, and plans are underway for one of the local chapter’s most popular fundraisers. April 14 the Stockbridge Mackinder-Glenn Post #510 will host its ninth annual Chili Cook-Off.

“It’s a lot of fun,” planning committee member Becky Whitaker said. “We have vendor booths, 50-50 drawings, and door prizes donated by the community.” She said the event will host up to 16 chili-cooking contestants. “There’s also a contest for the best-decorated booths, and some get pretty elaborate,” she added. Whitaker said vendors pay no entry fee, and hot dogs will be available, along with alcoholic and non–alcoholic beverages.

“It’s open to the public.” Debi Kunzelman chimed in with a smile. “Last year, more than 200 people attended.”

“We had moved the date from February to April, so other Legion Riders could attend,” Whitaker said, “and we had clubs visit from as far as Garden City.”

Jean Buurma explained that a panel of judges will award first-, second- and third-place cash prizes and plaques. “The first place winner will also have his or her name engraved on a plaque displayed in the Legion Club room,” she said and then talked about the People’s Choice competition. “Each person entering the door pays $5 to sample the different chilis, and they’re given two tokens.” She gestured as she spoke. “They stroll from chili station to chili station and vote with their tokens for their favorites.”

When asked how many people comprise the planning committee, Whitaker grinned at her two compatriots. “You’re looking it.”

Owning a motorcycle is one prerequisite for membership in the American Legion Riders, Whitaker said, plus each Rider must also be member of the American Legion, in the Auxiliary, or a member of the Sons of the American Legion. “All the funds go toward veterans and to help with veteran causes,” she said. Rider funds have helped replace the Legion Hall roof and re-pave its parking lot, Whitaker said, adding, “We donate to Outreach along with many other organizations that help our vets out.”

“Don’t forget the Tide Me Over program,” Buurma added, “and the school robotics program.”

Kunzelman pointed to lettering on her pink sweatshirt that read ‘One last treat.’ “Can you guess my personal favorite?” she asked and then explained that the veteran-founded, nonprofit organization brings comfort, companionship, and compassionate treatment to senior animals.

According to its website, the American Legion organization counts more than 110,000 American Legion Riders among its ranks nationwide. Its chapters, the website states, “are well known for their charitable work.” Meanwhile, here in Stockbridge, three devoted Riders are plowing through project plans and checking off their to-do lists, all to make a difference in their local community.