Vietnam veterans held a chili cookoff, Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Veterans Center, raising funds for Chapter 933. The spicy affair included 15 different chili entries for the attendees to taste and judge.

The Café Blues Band kept the atmosphere lively in the parking lot while patrons cruised the raffle prizes and competed in the silent auction.

There was a steady stream of supporters coming through between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Attendee Wende Killinger said, “This is my first time at this event, but I will come again next year. The camaraderie is wonderful.”

Paula Holmes came in third place. Jill Clover took second, and David Scheuneman won $75 for first place. There were over 200 votes cast for the 15 chili dishes that entered the cookoff.

Dominic Oliveto, president of Chapter 933, said, “We are so lucky to live in a city that supports its veterans. Mesquite always steps up to help out its veterans. The money raised will go to our veterans that need help.”