Second Annual Chili Cook-off was fun for all

MOUNT VERNON—Brewton-Parker College’s Women’s Fellowship reports that the Second Annual BPC Chili Cook-off Oct. 24 raised more than $2,000 for the Renovation of McAllister Hall, the oldest women’s residence hall on the Mount Vernon campus.

This year’s cook-off pulled in double the crowds and participation, double the money raised – and double the fun, reports Jackie Smith, wife of BPC president David R. Smith, and cook-off chairperson.

“Thank you! Thank you so much for all your hard work and enthusiasm to make our Second BPC Chili Cook-off a success!” exuded Jackie Smith. “God blessed us and gave us a spectacular sunny day with a sky more blue than I have ever seen. He gave us a wonderful time of fellowship with each other and our community here on our beautiful campus.”

This year’s People’s Choice winner, and new owner of the traveling trophy, is Stuckey Baptist Church Youth Group. Last year’s winner was Gates Hall of BPC.

The Celebrity Judges chose the following first place winners: Best Tasting – Smith Street Baptist Church; Hottest, Admissions; and Most Unique, Hub Communications. Second and third place winners in each category were: Best Tasting – 2nd, Kiwanis Club of Vidalia, 3rd, Community Hospice; Hottest – 2nd, James Chapman of Dublin, 3rd, Mount Vernon Bank; Most Unique – 2nd, Social & Behavioral Sciences, 3rd, Harveys Supermarkets of Vidalia.

The celebrity judges were Wendell Dixon of Darby Bank, Lea Fountain of State Broadcasting Corporation in Dublin, Harold Quarterman of Montgomery County School System and Billy Taylor, BPC student judge.

This year’s teams included the following organization, business or individual: Community Hospice, Stuckey Baptist Church, Gates Hall (BPC), Kiwanis Club of Vidalia, Admissions (BPC), Social & Behavioral Sciences (BPC), Vidalia Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Smith Street Baptist Church, Hub Communications, Poppy’s Restaurant, Harveys Supermarket of Vidalia, Brown-Eyed Susan’s Floral and Gifts of Mount Vernon, Troy Reddick a.k.a. “The Campfire Cook”, James Chapman of Dublin and Mount Vernon Bank.

A Kiddie Carnival and Paddle Boat rides on Jones Lake were sponsored by the BPC Student Organizations; concessions were sponsored by ARAMARK and SGA. The Montgomery County Historic Village opened and guests were delighted to find two costumed Civil War re-enactors (BPC students Raymond Minks and Andrew Yates) and other persons dressed in period attire.

Live Entertainers included the BPC Jazz Voices, Eaglet Twirling, Montgomery County High School Cheerleaders, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) Band, Carmela Williams, Diamond Doll Dancers, Hallelujah Praise Dancers (of Alamo), CKM Praise Dancers (Toombs County), Harvest Chapel Praise Team and Glimpses of Truth (BPC).

Reining Miss BPC Erica Moore and reigning BPC Prom King and BPC’s newest admissions counselor Bernard Irvin, along with Vice President for Enrollment Services Ken Wuerzberger served as the day’s emcees.

The BPC Women’s Fellowship thanks Downtown Vidalia Business Association and BB&T in Vidalia, and Brown Eyed Susan’s Floral and Gifts in Mount Vernon for selling tickets this year.

“Thanks again, and we looking forward to seeing you at the 3rd Annual BPC Chili Cook-off next year!” added Jackie Smith.

The Emcees of the 2009 BPC Chili Cook-off are from left Miss BPC Erica Moore, Vice President for Enrollment Services Ken Wuerzberger and Bernard Irvin, newest BPC Admissions Counselor and reigning BPC Prom King.

Al Haygood of Quil FM (Dublin) interviews Richard Williams of the Vidalia Kiwanis Club at the 2009 BPC Chili Cook-off.

BPC benefactor and beloved volunteer Jean Snooks dresses in period attire at the Historic Village as she “shells peas”.

The Eaglet Twirlers perform for the crowds at the BPC Chili Cook-off Oct. 24.

The BPC Jazz Voices ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Sonja Sepulveda, performs at the 2nd BPC Chili Cook-off Saturday, Oct. 24.

BPC’s Admissions chili was judged as the Hottest. Shown from left are Admissions counselors Mandy Corbin, Michael Johnson and Tim Hegerich serving up a sample.

Carmela Williams (from left), Frances Anthony and Carmen Sharpe (Williams’ daughter) perform “It’s Over Now” together at the 2009 BPC Chili Cook-off Oct. 24.

Susan Kight of Brown-Eyed Susan’s Floral and Gifts serves up some chili to Dr. Hal Ostrander, chair of the college’s Division of Religion and Philosophy.

Troy Reddick of Vidalia shows off his campfire chili.

Gabrielle Mullins, 4, daughter of BPC employees Shannon and Bo Mullins. Shannon is the Executive Director of Financial Aid and Bo is the Head Baseball Coach. Local artist Alanna Woodfin volunteered her time, equipment and talent to paint these face creations at the Kiddie Carnival.

Mount Vernon Bank was proud participants in the 2009 BPC Chili Cook-off.

Smith Street Baptist Church won the prize for Best Tasting Chili by the celebrity judges.

BPC students Raymond Minks (left) and Andrew Yates dressed as Civil War re-enactors at the Historic Village during the 2nd Annual BPC Chili Cook-off.