Realtors Assn. Chili Cook-off Benefits Local Nonprofits

Dane Wunderlich and his group were honored for having the "best overall" chili.

By Aaron Rachman

The Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors hosted a chili cook-off Friday night in Murrieta, with proceeds benefiting four local nonprofits.

The event featured 37 different types of chili. There was also a "best decorated booth" contest as well as a contest for the best cornbread. Shelly Moore from Escrow Leaders was the host of the event. She said it was a huge success.

"We thought it would be a great event to bring the real estate community together and to raise money for charities," Moore said. "I've been working on it for a year. It's a fun atmosphere."

Kim Goodnough, executive director of Michelle's Place, emphasized the important of the event as part of October Cancer Awareness Month.

"We'll be everywhere we can be this month, talking about breast cancer awareness and highlighting survivors," she said. "We're participating in about 45 community events and presentations. We're thrilled to be a first-year recipient in the event."

The eight judges for the event were Murrieta Mayor Alan Long, City Council member Gene Wunderlich, City Business Development Manager Kimberly Davidson, Bill Watson of Michelle's Place, Connie Lynch, Greg Lucker, Clint Tucker and Laura Willis.

Winners were:

Best Overall -- Dane Wunderlich

Homestyle -- First place, YPN; second place, Century 21

Hot, Hot, Hot - First place, NHD, Don Sharp; second place, Farmers Insurance, Michael Crewse

People's Choice - First place, Century 21; second place, Corner Escrow

Original - First place, Mortgage House; second place, Home Smart

Corn Bread - Real Estate Places, Denyse Wilson

Best Booth - First place, Escrow Leaders; second place, Prime Lending

The money raised from the event was donated to Michelle's Place, Project Touch, SRCAR scholarship program and Rancho Damacitas.

Part of the proceeds went to Michelle's Place, a cancer resource center.