Mike Nadon and his hard-working crew of volunteers. Back row: Greg Sork, Mike, Jay Ward, Sally Ward, Gary Williams, Kathy Sork, Steven Jensen; front row: Rene Chester and Carol Nadon; not pictured: Bob Chester. They kept everyone fed and entertained.
Pancho Epstein
More than 1200 personal hygiene items were donated by members of the PebbleCreek Pickleball Club to the Homeless Youth Connection (HYC) during the club’s January 13 Chili Cook-Off social.
According to Mike Nadon, who ran the event for the Pickleball Club, the goal of the HYC is to raise awareness and meet the needs of homeless youth so they can stay in school and graduate. They provide the youth with host families, basic needs, coaching and services, “as they make positive, life-affirming choices toward becoming responsible, productive adults.”
“The outpouring from this group has been wonderful,” said HYC Community Engagement Coordinator Mindi Walker.
Our pickleball club throughout the year holds socials, which collect and donate items to people not as fortunate as we are.
During this social, the courts were loaded with members playing friendly drop-in, competitive drop-in and challenge court competition.
Then, members smacked their lips as they tasted various versions of chili (chili is a fruit, not a vegetable) cooked by fellow pickleballers and voted for their favorite.
The medalists were (1) Karen Bush, Kahlua Chili; (2) Carrie McDonald, Winner, Winner Chicken Chili Dinner; (3) David Burch, Canned Heat; (4) Kathy Sork, Stepped in the Kitchen and Made Chili; (5) Carol Nadon, Sweet Tootin’ Chili.
The other creative, mouthwatering chilis that tantalized our pallets were Don’t be Pickled Just Eat Chili; Jammin’ Jamaica No-Worry Vegan Curry; No Beans About It; Sweet Potato Chili; “3 B” Chili Delight – Beef, Beans, Bacon; Stick’N Good; Dink In Good Chili; Chili Connection and Chicken Chili ‘N Together.
This is Bush’s second Chili Cook-Off victory in a row. “And I’ll be back next year to defend my title,” she proclaimed. “I’m already working on a killer recipe.”
Also available were croissant sandwiches, drinks, chips, cookies and fruit.
The three-hour event was a winner for the HYC. Interested in more information on this worthy group? Call 623-374-3747 or email hycaz.org.