For the seventh year, members of Hendricks County first responder teams gathered for an old fashioned cook-off and fundraiser for the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition — some to hold their first place titles and others who were aiming to join the ranks of best soup, chili and cupcakes in the county.
Emcee Steve Pyatte kept guests up to date on events and top winners receive a large, medium or small ladle or a whisk (for the cupcake champ).
Winners included Kari Clark, representing the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department for Best Table Decoration; Jon Joseph, representing the Lizton-Union Township Volunteer Fire Department for Fan Favorite Cupcake; and Erica Nichols, representing the Pittsboro Police Department for Fan Favorite Soup.
Taking first place for best cupcake was Kim Nething with the Pittsboro Police Department. First place for best soup went to Steve Wagner with Hendricks Regional Health.
While members of police, fire, Hendricks County communications, Susie’s Place, the Hendricks County prosecutor’s office and others have fun whipping up a batch of their finest, the purpose behind the event has even more meaning.
“We originally thought about doing a competition between police and fire to support our local pantry and then we decided, why just do it for our local pantry,” said Pittsboro Police Chief Christi Patterson. "Why not countywide? At the time, Sarah Westrich and I organized it and we had eight or nine chefs. This year, we have more than 20."
Westrich’s husband Josh, was formally with the Pittsboro Fire Department and is now fire chief for Whitestown.
Patterson said while participants are mainly in the Hendricks County area, they wouldn’t turn away other first responders that wanted to get involved. In fact, they continue to open the event up to others known for their service.
“We open it up to spouses, volunteers, any public safety officer," Patterson said. "We have Animal Control here today and this year, we even invited tow companies. Pittsboro is a small department; my mom comes and cooks at this event. She helps us on our Night Out Against Crime every summer. These people are important to our organization.”
Visitors have the option to purchase $1 tickets for a cup of soup or stew or receive a ticket for each pantry item they donate.
Not only are participants and supporters enjoying a homemade lunch, there was also a cornhole tournament underway and Patterson brought in two big screen TVs for those involved to enjoy the Colts versus Jaguars game. There was also a silent auction with items ranging from large power tools to gift certificates.
“This time of year, the pantries get a lot of donations," Patterson said. "This money will go toward supporting them in the summer months when they’re often in threat of shutting down due to lack of donations. So these funds are set aside for that time.”
Last year, Everyday Souper Heroes brought in more than $5,000, plus boxes of pantry items.
There were 137,933 meals distributed by the Hendricks County Food Coalition in 2017. To donate, visit the website at www.hendrickscountycf.org/donate/ and specify the food coalition in the drop down box.
