By Michelle Rains
(Conover, NC) Nothing warms up a cold, snowy, January day better than a big
bowl of hot chili. Especially for the folks at ResCare HomeCare and Community
Alternatives who braved the harsh winter weather to take part in a chili cook-off.
This was the second year both employees and individuals receiving services
participated in the contest to raise money for SHARE, ResCare’s

Trudy Bumgarner, Thais Dellinger, Tim Givens, Natasha Bunton and Wayne Shuford take time to smile for a picture while waiting for the contest to begin.
internal charity. SHARE stands for Support, Help, Assistance, Relief Effort and provides
monetary assistance to employees in a time of emergency need.
Six people ResCare supports and 16 staff members raised $248. Administrative
Assistant Sheila Foster said despite the weather which hindered the turnout,
they couldn’t be happier with the amount of money raised. In addition
to raising money, those who attended also served as judges, choosing the best
dish from the contest’s six entries.
For the second year in a row

ResCare employees Henry Boyd, Cheri Hahn and Valerie Karbley pose with their empty bowls after tasting all of the contest’s entries.
Executive Director Mike Penland walked away with the first place trophy, leavingthe other participants eager for next year’s rematch.
Mr. Penland says his chili is a secret family recipe, although its name used
to be "Mike's possum, road kill chili,” with some unique ingredients
such as possum, squirrel and raccoon. Mr. Penland believes that his winning
secret is passing out a side order of Tums to go along with each bowl.

Heather Faulkner and Linda Woodruff smile for the camera while waiting for this year’s winner to be announced.

Executive Direction, Mike Penland poses with his 1st place trophy, after being announced as the winner for the second year in a row.