40th Annual HOA Chili Challenge raises over $100,000

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Projected number of around three thousand area residents filled the Civic Arena over the course of the day to assist in fundraising for the UCP of Northwest Missouri in the 40th Annual Heart of America Chili Cookoff.

The United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Northwest Missouri office in St. Joseph assists children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities.

During this year's event, the cookoff raised over $100,000, according to event organizers. This came from the cookoff, silent auction, and other offerings throughout the day.

UCP shared all money raised will go to its program to help fund its mission.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A projected number of around three thousand area residents filled the Civic Arena over the course of the day to assist in fundraising for the UCP of Northwest Missouri in the 40th Annual Heart of America Chili Cookoff.

The United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Northwest Missouri office in St. Joseph assists children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities.

During this year's event, the cookoff raised over $100,000, according to event organizers. This came from the cookoff, silent auction, and other offerings throughout the day.

UCP shared that all funds raised will go toward its program to support its mission.

"We love the support. It helps support all of our programs, our children's program and adult program, helping individuals with disabilities. It just means so much to us to be supporting us for over for this is our 40th year," Children's Program Director Kim Cordonnier said. "I just love all the energy they bring to decorating, but really, the energy is probably the best part. We had a pirate booth and a Wizard of Oz booth that were really neat."

A large portion of the funds raised came from the people's choice division winners. Coming in 1st Place, Purina raised over $41,000, and the group Sisters Three raised over $10,000.

The following were the winners of Best Chili - Missouri State Champion:

• 1st Place: Auto Pride
• 2nd Place: Clarios DC
• 3rd Place: Van Girls

Additional honors included:

• St. Joseph Firefighters – 4th Place in the Amateur Division in their first year competing
• American Family Insurance – 5th Place in the Amateur Division

For those who missed out on this year's fun, or haven't yet been to a Heart of America Chili Cookoff, it's never too late, according to the UCP.

"If they've never been to one, just to come enjoy the experience, even if they don't like Chile. The atmosphere is amazing. The support for UCP and just the overall crowd is a great experience."

Click here to learn more about the UCP of Northwest Missouri.

Part of the large amount raised came from the people's choice division winners. Coming in 1st Place, Purina raised over $41,000, and the group Sisters Three raised over $10,000.

The following were the winner of Best Chili - Missouri State Champion:

• 1st Place: Auto Pride
• 2nd Place: Clarios DC
• 3rd Place: Van Girls

Additional honors included:

• St. Joseph Firefighters – 4th Place in the Amateur Division in their first year competing
• American Family Insurance – 5th Place in the Amateur Division

For those who missed out on this year's fun, or haven't yet been to a Heart of America Chili Cookoff, it's never too late according to the UCP.

"If they've never been to one, just to come enjoy the experience, even if they don't like Chile. The atmosphere is amazing. The support for UCP and just the overall crowd is a great experience."

Click here to learn more about the UCP of Northwest Missouri.