$250,000 Raised To Save Animals
November 26, 2014
4,000 People Set Chili Cook-Off Attendance Record
N. CHARLESTON, SC – A quarter of a million dollars was raised in one day to help Charleston Animal Society save thousands of animals throughout the year. Four-thousand people participated in the organization’s 15th Annual Celebrity Chili Cook-off & Oyster Roast setting attendance and fundraising records for the event.
“Each year, Charleston Animal Society spends over $500,000 on the medical treatment of injured and ill homeless animals,” stated Joe Elmore, CEO of Charleston Animal Society. “The Chili Cook-off is critical in raising money for Toby’s Fund so that we can save these helpless animals.”
Led by 125 teams that raised over $100,000, the Chili Cook-off raised another $100,000 through sponsors and raised the final $50,000 during the event.
Competition among teams was both fierce and fun with the following winners:
The top award, Toby’s Hero, went to Feline Freedom Coalition, which raised over $5,300 led by team captain Diane Straney.
- Overall Best Presentation – Mt. Pleasant Water Works
- Celebrity Best Presentation – The Post and Courier
- Overall Most Traditional Chili – Roper St. Francis
- Celebrity Most Traditional Chili – The Post and Courier
- Overall Most Unique Chili – Free to a Good Home
- Celebrity Most Unique Chili – News 2
- Overall Best in Show – PWC…Plus!
- Celebrity Best in Show – ABC News 4
“This event belongs to the community just like Charleston Animal Society belongs to the community. Every person who participated in the Chili Cook-off makes up one of the building blocks that makes Charleston County a No Kill Community,” stated Elmore. “We are very grateful for and proud of these outstanding chili teams, sponsors, volunteers, staff and participants that made this event a phenomenal success.”
About Charleston Animal Society
Over 140 years old, Charleston Animal Society was the first animal organization in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the Nation. It is also South Carolina’s most honored charity and a national model for saving animals.
