10/30/2026
What a great day of community, chili, and supporting our future leaders! 🌶️👏
Thank you to everyone who came out today and enjoyed some amazing chili while helping support the Rotary Youth Leadership Program. Investing in young people is investing in the future of our community, and we're grateful for everyone who made this event a success.
A special thank you to our friends at Andy Shaw Ford for their generous $450 contribution, along with supporters including WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and many others who believe in the importance of developing tomorrow's leaders.
We're also grateful to our outstanding chili judges:
🏆 Kyle Pifer, Western Carolina Catamounts Athletic Director
🏆 Eugene of Creekside Oyster House & Grill (and thank you to Creekside for providing the beverages!)
🏆 Dino of Lucy in the Rye and the soon-to-open Ghost Note Restaurant in downtown Sylva.
And now, congratulations to our winners:
🥇 1st Place: Webster's Finest - Si Simmons
🥈 2nd Place: Ground Beef Chuck Roast Chili - Nancy McConnell
🥉 3rd Place: The President Elects - Lena Mathis
Thank you to everyone who cooked, competed, donated, judged, and joined us today. Your support helps create opportunities for young leaders in our community, and we're grateful to be part of such a caring and generous community. Special thank you to our club members like Christie Paxton and Carr Tyndall for all the effort!
Well done to all and thank you for making it a great day! 🌶️❤️