Chi Omega Chili Cookoff Advancer

Every forty minutes Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wish of a child living with a life-threatening medical condition.  This one granted wish gives strength and hope to those children as well as their family. 

Recognizing the good and compassion associated with Make-A-Wish, the Theta Kappa Chapter of Chi Omega at Baylor University established it as the Chapter’s philanthropy in 2000.

Chi O’s President Kelsey Riley stated, “Make-A-Wish Foundation is such a wonderful organization for Chi Omega to support.  In interacting with them to grant wishes for children in Waco, I have no doubt that we are making a difference in the community. The granting of a wish may seem so simple, but it makes a world of difference for that child and their family.”

One of Chi Omega’s main events is its annual Chili Cookoff.  All proceeds go directly to Make-A-Wish.

This year Chili Cookoff will take place at 6:00pm on November 12 at Fountain Mall.

All Baylor students are encouraged to participate.  The cost is only $5 at the entrance and this includes unlimited chili!

It is $25 to enter a team into the chili competition and teams can have a max of 5 people.  They are given the opportunity to create their own, unique chili recipe.

The following is the link to sign up a team for the competition: http://www.baylor.edu/studentactivities/campusprograms/index.php?id=73952.

Recipes over the past years have included an odd assortment of ingredients.  Some teams take trying new things to a new level.

“Last year I tried chocolate chili.  It was actually really good! The team used chocolate and graham crackers.  Needless to say, they won,” said Emily Lloyd, a member of Chi Omega who was a tester for the competition last year.

Other than eating Chili, the public may attend a free concert given by a student band or participate in Bed Races made available by Alpha Tau Omega.

“The Bed Races are my favorite part!  I love seeing what teams dress up as, it’s hilarious.  It definitely makes for an enjoyable night,” said ATO member Austin Klarich.

This event is a great way for Baylor to give back to the community of Waco.  In 2008, Chi Omega raised $12,146.27 through this event.  Two wishes were granted to children in the Waco area.

One of these children was Ernesto, a five-year-old boy who wished to go to Disney World.  Chi Omega was able to send Ernesto and his family on this great vacation.

The first wish to ever be granted by Make-A-Wish was to Christopher James Greicius, who dreamed of becoming a police officer. 

In 1980, 7-year-old Chris was being treated for leukemia.   Tommy Austin, a U.S. Customs Officer who knew the boy, wanted to find a way to make his final days joyful.  Chris was taken on a ride in a department helicopter and was then sworn in as the first honorary DPS patrolman in state history.

            When Chris passed away, his parents’ anguish turned into a hopeful sense of acceptance after seeing how happy their son was during his final days.  This led to the development of Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Chi O strongly supports Make-A-Wish and encourages everyone to come out on November 12 for the Cookoff.  The goal this year is to raise $15,000 but that all depends on the participation of Baylor’s Student Body. 

Make yourself happy by eating unlimited chili and spread that cheer to a child by granting a wish!