ROCHELLE — Whether you are a chili connoisseur, an expert at making chili, or wanting to try a variety of different chili dishes, look no further than the Chili Cook-Off benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County.
On Sunday, Dec. 17 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., guests at the Rack Bar and Grill in Rochelle can enjoy unlimited tastings of homemade chili for $5. For those interesting in making chili, the cost is $10 to register. All of the proceeds from the event will go to offset Habitat’s latest home build in Rochelle for the Price family.
Shawna Kerwin, General Manager, Rack Bar and Grill explained the idea came after meeting the Price family at the Prime Rib dinner fundraiser hosted by HFHOC. Kerwin said she and owner Al Giannini thought a cook-off to benefit HFHOC was a fit the bill.
The Rack Bar and Grill will also allow patrons to round up their guest checks and donate to HFHOC. In addition, all children age 11 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

“We wanted to do something specifically for Habitat after seeing the family the home will go to,” Kerwin said. “Al was talking with some of our loyal customers about the different variations of chili and that is when he decided on a cook-off…Habitat was just a natural fit.”
HFHOC executive director Vanessa White-Broome expressed her gratitude to both Kerwin and Giannini for planning the event.
White-Broome said although the build is nearing completion, with all inspections to date having been approved, volunteers are still needed.
“We are so grateful for so many businesses, countless service groups, and individuals regarding this year’s home build,” White-Broome said. “We continue to seek volunteers and donations are especially needed this time of year as we continue to incur costs to finish the Price’s new home.”
Tax deductible donations can be sent to Post Office Box 306, Ashton, IL 61006, Attn: Vanessa White-Broome.