WABASH, IN- Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, the Chili Cook-Off Committee, alongside their partners at United Fund, distributed $38,500 to twelve Wabash County Charitable Organizations.
These proceeds were raised from the 2025 Chili Cook-Off, where community members, participants, and volunteers gathered at Paradise Spring Historical Park to taste over fifty unique variations of homemade Chili. The Cook-off was held Saturday, October 18th.
Emily Overlander, president of Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity, Inc. reported, "This year we selected twelve local charitable organizations to benefit from the event. Our goal was to make a meaningful impact on each organization— showing our support and gratitude for the work they do to keep our community safe, strong, happy, and healthy.” Overlander added, “The Chili Cook-Off has had a huge impact on our community— raising nearly $822,000 in charitable donations over its 22 year span, alongside our partners at WC United Fund— who have graciously matched $180,000 in donations to date. That said, we hope to see both continued and renewed participation in the years to come, keeping the legacy of the Chili Cook-Off alive, and helping Wabash County charities remain supported, stable, and passionate. Thank you to everyone who came out and participated in the Chili Cook-Off in any way. You are the heartbeat of our community.”
You can get involved in future events by entering a chili team, sponsoring the event, volunteering, visiting our charitable vendors, or attending the event to taste chili and vote for your favorite. Who knew such a fun and engaging event could be so rewarding for Wabash County? Visit www.chiliforcharity.com in 2026 for details on our next Chili Cook-Off, follow us on Facebook, and tune in to 105.9 The Bash to stay up-to-date on all things Chili.
Charitable organizations awarded and honored at tonight's ceremony include:
Bash Bags (Wabash Weekend Food Insecurities Corp.)
Common Ground Prayer House
Daniel's Place
Disabled American Veterans of Wabash County
F.I.S.H. of Wabash
Growing Grounds
Living Well in Wabash County
The Honeywell Foundation
Wabash County Cancer Society
Wabash County CASA
Wabash County 4-H Council
Wabash Little League
Common Ground Prayer House - $1,250
- Emily Overlander
- Shirley Neale
Growing Grounds - $2,000
- Emily Overlander
- Carol Hoin
- Abby Waldon
- Trisha Haines
Bash Bags - $3,000
- Kelli Dale
- Krissy Cunningham
- Kristen Petruniw
- Emily Overlander
Wabash County Cancer Society - $3,000
- Kelli Dale
- Bob Schakmann
- Sharon Schakmann
- Tei Jay Langsy
- Theresa Sites
- Sam Hipskind
Honeywell Foundation - $1,250
- Sam Hipskind
- Kara Fulmer
- Jamie Haupert
Wabash County CASA - $2,000
- Nancy Bowman
- Angela Dunn
Daniel's Place - $3,000
- Emily Overlander
- Daniel Working
- Cheryl Working
- Chloe Steele
- Kris White
F.I.S.H. of Wabash - $4,000
- Emily Overlander
- Kris White
- Janet Schue
- Maggie Wimberly
Living Well Food Pantry - $4,000
- Kris White
- Beverly Ferry
- Sam Hipskind
Wabash County 4-H Council - $5,000
- Emily Overlander
- Marissa Houston
- Blake Houston
Disabled American Veterans of Wabash County - $5,000
- Bob Pilgrim
- Nancy Bowman
- Tony Meredith
- Roger Holiday
- Janice Asbell
Wabash Little League - $5,000
- Sam Hipksind
- Kathy Harris
- Wayne Denger
- Josh Petruniw
