The Plaza Midwood Chantilly Chili Cookoff started in 2003 by Chris “Goose” McElhattan to benefit Hospice Palliative of Charlotte Region.

As a long time resident and business owner of the Plaza Midwood-Chantilly (PMC) area he frequented many of the area restaurants where he met Clarissa Vaughan. They met and became fast friends when she worked at The Bayou Kitchen. As with many people in the PMC area you don’t just make friends — you make family.

In the Spring of 2003, Clarissa got the news that no one wants to hear - breast cancer. And being such great friends, Goose decided he wanted to do something to give back — not only for those dealing with breast cancer, but all types of cancer. Thus the PMC Chili Cookoff was born in  October of 2003.

Each year Goose and devoted volunteers throw quite a bash! In fact, Goose and his crew have now raised over $50,000 for Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region - that's a lot considering they barely broke even just on the expenses of the cook-off in the first year.

And every year it grows and grows. What started as a small neighborhood benefit has branched out to be supported by businesses and people across the area. And we hope to make this an annual event for many years to come.

So stop by every second Saturday in October, and donate a little time or a little money for a wonderful cause.  We are sure to be there, because there will always be  good food, good friends and just all around good times.