The American Legion Post 488 in New Boston, Texas, has established itself in the community as one of the most charitable organizations in Northeast Texas.
The Legion and its sister organization, the American Legion Riders Motorcycle Club, are known for regularly hosting charity events, fundraisers, auctions and entertainment venues to help those in the community who need financial help. The most common reason is to help families with dire medical costs.
Now, they are asking for help for one of their own. But they're not just asking for your money. They will give you something in return for your monetary donations.
On Saturday, the Legion will hold a massive chili cook-off at the Legion Hall, on U.S. Highway 82 and Interstate 30 in New Boston, for a longtime member of both the Legion and the Legion Riders, Randal Jameson.
Jameson, known to many as "Brisket," is the ever-dependable and beloved camp cook. He cooks his smoked barbecue meats for the community charity benefits the Legion holds. A member of the Soldiers for Christ MC Ministry, he has been known to set up his smoker for the parking lot ministries and several charity events.
Since recently undergoing heart surgery and receiving four stents, Jameson lost time from work and his hours have been reduced, creating a need for financial assistance. And who better to help him than those he has worked with for many years helping others?
It's a "No Holds Barred" chili cook-off, meaning there are no rules to speak of. Cooks can choose to use beans or no beans, exotic meat or no meat.
Chili cooking teams can register for $25 per team, which entitles two members of each team to enjoy bowls of chili from other cooks.
Chili should be cooked on site with sign-up and sign-in at 9 a.m. If the team's recipe is a long cook, some preparations may be made prior to signing in.
Serving to the public begins at 1 p.m., with judging at 2 p.m. Trophies will be awarded to the judges' choices and plaques offered for the people's choices.
Other activities will be planned for the day, including an auction of donated items to begin at 11 a.m. Sign-up for the pool and dart tournament will begin at 3 p.m.
Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the day for a chance to win a 49-inch Phillips Smart 4Kx3 Ultra HDTV. Tickets sell for $2 each or three for $5. The winner's name will be drawn during the Saturday night dance, emceed by Tony Walls, Legion Rider member. You need not be present to win.