The United Way of Crookston is getting ready to hold its annual Soup and Chili Cook-off. The event will take place on Monday, October 14, in the Crookston High School Commons from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. before the girls’ volleyball game against Fisher.
Libby Bouchet, Executive Director of The United Way of Crookston, stopped by to talk about the annual cook-off, which is really the start of the 2025 United Ways Fundraising Campaign. Boucher says a few years ago, they went a different direction and tried a Casserole Cook-Off, but they have since come back to Soup and Chili. “A few years ago we diversified and did casseroles, we did hot dishes and fluff salads” said Boucher. “The fluff salad was so popular we decided to keep that, so this year it’s Soup, Chili and Fluff Salad.”
The United Way holds many fundraisers throughout the year, but Boucher says this one really kicks off the 2025 campaign. “Our thermometer will be going up in the next week or so. It will be placed, as always, in front of American Federal Bank, and that just tracks our progress throughout the year.”
Last year, Boucher says The United Way didn’t just meet their goals but exceeded them. “Last year, Crookston came to bat,” says Boucher. “We raised 106% of our $140,000 goal, so, we went over our goal last year.”
The United Way helps out over 20 agencies and programs that are life-changing in Crookston and the Crookston area. “Everyone in town, I would say, knows somebody who has benefited from one of these programs. Which makes it easy to fundraise because the Crookston community sees the value.” Says Boucher.
The Soup and Chili Cook-Off is both a chance to sit down and share a meal together with the community and a fun competition for those who have entered the Cook-Off. “There are traveling trophies, we have an armatures division, a people’s choice, and judges,” says Boucher. “This is something we love to do every year; we love our local restaurants, clubs, and businesses that participate in this cause. It’s not just the restaurants. It’s the Golden Link, usually the Polk County DAC, and Dan Erdman over at American Federal is a very dedicated soup and chili guy.”
If you aren’t getting hungry just by reading this, I would be surprised. Make sure you try to get out to Crookston High School on Monday, October 14, for the annual United Way Soup and Chili Cook-Off. The Cook-Off starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until around 7:00 p.m.
