Blackbelt Benefit Group raises $50K for tornado relief, including through Chili Cookoff

Alabama River Chili Cookoff organizers say Thursday’s event was the best attended in its history.

“It’s hard to say exactly how many folks were there, but it was packed,” said Clay Carmichael of the Black Belt Benefit Group

The cookoff had 18 teams and as many different chili recopies for attendees to sample. The panel of judges said on social media there wasn’t a bad recipe in the bunch, which makes judging even harder. 

Carmichael reported that the Chili Cookoff raised $50,000 that will go toward tornado relief from the Jan. 12 tornado that ripped through Selma.

Before becoming a chili cookoff, the BBG had an online campaign, a Rib Off and the Chili Cookoff and some other little stuff, Carmichael said. For this year’s funds, the BBBG is partnering with the Long Term Recovery Committee, which is where the panel of judges came from. 

Carmichael pointed out that most groups helping with the relief effort get donations from outside Selma. 

“We’re probably the smallest amount of all the groups giving to the committee, but ours is mostly locally raised,” he said. “It’s a statement to what the people of Selma can do.”

And there are more events this year put on by the Black Belt Benefit Group. The Shuck and Jive is Nov. 18. 

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The Alabama River Chili Cookoff winners for 2023 are:

Fan Favorite – Reliable Chevrolet GMC

Most Spirited – Hogg, Stone and Associates

3^rd Place – Clearwater

2^nd Place – Bush Hog

1^st Place – Mike Stokes