RAPID CITY, S.D. – A community chili cookoff in Rapid City has raised nearly $26,000 to help local families keep their utility services connected.
The funds were generated during the city’s second annual Community Chili Cookoff, held last week at the Dahl Arts Center. The total includes nearly $16,000 in public donations and a $10,000 matching contribution approved by the Rapid City Common Council.
The event, themed “Good Chili, Great People, A Stronger Community,” supports the City Utility Assist program, which helps residents facing temporary financial hardships pay for essential city utility services.
Rapid City Public Works Administration Operations Manager Shannon Truax called the fundraiser an overwhelming success and credited city employees, volunteer chili chefs and community members who attended the event.
Organizers say every dollar raised goes directly to helping local households in crisis. The program is administered through a partnership with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which works with families in need throughout the community.
City officials say the fundraiser significantly surpassed last year’s event, which raised about $1,600, and will help assist local families over the coming year.
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