North Platte, NE, September 26, 2023 – Mid-Plains United Way, a local nonprofit
organization that supports education, health and financial stability in the region, is
inviting the community to join FNBO for their 28th Annual Chili Cook-off on Friday,
October 6, 2023.
The event will take place from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the main FNBO parking lot
(201 N Dewey St) in North Platte. Admission is $10, which includes samples of 20
different chilis prepared by local businesses and organizations.
Beverages and desserts will be sold by Mid-Plains United Way and their partner agencies.
Guests are encouraged to bring extra cash to vote for their favorite chili, themed booth and pie in
the face winner. Local business leaders participating in pie in the face are Gary
Person, Nelson Jett, Cooper Grabenstein, Brad Hisel and Jordan Boston. The honor to
pie the winner will be auctioned off to the highest bidder!
The Chili Cook-off is the giving campaign kick-off event and one of the major
fundraisers for Mid-Plains United Way. This year, campaign funds will be distributed
to 11 partner agencies that provide vital services and programs to the residents of
Chase, Custer, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Grant, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith,
Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow and Thomas counties.
2023-24 partner agencies are Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center, Community Action
Partnership of Mid-Nebraska-Utilities, Community Connections Mentoring,
Community Connections Substance Abuse Prevention, Guardians of the Children, L2
for Kids, Lutheran Family Services, Nebraska Youth Center, The Connection
Homeless Shelter, North Platte Senior Center and Hope Esperanza.
“We are very grateful to FNBO for hosting the Chili Cook-off again this year and we
hope to see a lot of people come out and support our cause,” said Haven Smith, the
executive director of Mid-Plains United Way. “It’s a fun and delicious way to show
your community spirit and help us make a positive difference in the lives of many
people in our area.”
Some of the participants in this year’s Chili Cook-off include Rockabilly Rebelles,
Dayspring Bank, WCDHD, Lutheran Family Services, Great Plains Health Quality
Dept., Scott Abstract, First Interstate Bank, Trego-Dugan Aviation, Lincoln County
Board of Realtors, Walmart Distribution Center #7018, First National Bank, Lashley
Land, Guardians of the Children, and NuStar Energy.
For more information about the Chili Cook-off or to register a team, please call 308-
532-8870 or email unitedway172@gmail.com. About Mid-Plains United Way
Mid-Plains United Way is a nonprofit organization that unites community resources to
fund and support non-profits that improve education, health and financial stability in
the region. Mid-Plains United Way is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives
to create a strong and caring community for everyone. For more information or to
donate online, please visit the Mid-Plains United Way website.
