Bigger and better
The fourth annual Dream Catchers Chili Contest and Dinner raised thousands as 17 teams competed for the newly minted trophy, which eventually went to Faith Eldredge.
Although competing against Tub Creek Barbecue and Papa Sweet’s Bar and Grill, it was Faith Eldredge who etched her name for the inaugural year of the trophy – crediting a simple, but secret recipe passed down from her grandmother.
“It’s just seasoning. I think I knew I was going to win,” Eldredge said. “I won last year. It’s even better (this year) because I got the trophy. They liked it a lot. It’s wasn’t spicy, and more one dimensional.”
Along with Tub Creek and Papa Sweet’s, teams from the Cameron Police Department and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department also competed. Eldredge said it was a dramatic turnaround from last year.
“Last year, we didn’t really have that many contestants. Maybe four or five at the most. This year we have 17 on the list, which is amazing,” said Travis Eldredge, to a crowd of more than 30 seated inside Cameron United Methodist Church. “I would like to thank the businesses. They donated everything on that table (for the silent auction). I don’t think we spent any funds to put this event on … I want to thank our riders and volunteers and the families. We could not run without you. We’ve been here 12 years now and that is pretty amazing.
Dream Catchers is a faith-based organization teaching life-skills to children with disabilities through riding lessons. Along with teaching children, the organization uses rehabilitated horses for the program. The funds raised Saturday night will provide the horses all of the amenities they need as the program takes a hiatus in the winter months and to prolong current operations before the weather becomes too cold for its participants.
“I attribute [the turnout] to people and their love of the program. They understand our mission and what we stand for here in Northwest Missouri,” Eldredge said. “We’re here to serve others and take care of our riders and our families. I think our [attendees’] hearts are in the same place. This is going to help us get through the winter time and into next season. COVID-19 made an impact on a lot of folks, including us. For folks to step up to the plate and help us is truly amazing. It’s a blessing.”
