Twenty-five teams squared off Friday, Jan. 26 at Quitman’s Carroll Green Civic Center for the Quitman Pilot Club’s Chili Cook-Off. This battle for bragging rights has been a yearly event for about 20 years (except during COVID), according to Paige Eaton of the Pilot Club.

This anticipated event is one of the club’s main fundraisers that support its many local service projects. 

This year’s judges were Wood County Sheriff Kelly Cole, Dr. Rowdy Teaff and Kent Huffman.

First place honors went to the Quitman Rotary Club, second place was awarded to The Links at Land’s End, with Yantis Federal Credit Union placing third.

Other awards were given for Best Overall Showmanship and the People’s Choice awards.

The showmanship award was judged by Carolyn Manning, Janet Turner and Kelli Alexander.

The trophy winners were first place, Lowe-Gardener Funeral and Cremations; Second Place, Wood County Electric Co-op; and Third Place, Yantis Federal Credit Union.

The People’s Choice award is given to the team that raised the most tips from fans. All tips were donated to the fundraiser.

First place went to First National Bank of East Texas, second place, Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis, and third place, the “Co-Pilots.” Tips from all 25 competitors totaled $1,010.

The 2024 grand marshals of the event, selected for their dedication to the community, were Dr. John Wisdom and Dr. Joanne Wisdom.

QPC President Patrica Durst presented the award to them and recounted the many ways these two have enhanced the community with their generous spirits. 

As grand marshals, the Wisdoms had the privilege of bestowing an award to one deserving booth. They chose Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis.

A lively dessert auction was also organized by Pilot Club member Patricia Hightower. Wood County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russell Acker served as the auctioneer.

Dale “The C” Cummings provided the musical entertainment, and he had the crowd dancing and singing along.

The Anchor Club from Quitman High School also assisted behind the scenes and with serving. The Anchor Club is sponsored by the Pilot Club.

Chairwoman Kelle Gressett said, “What a fun night! Our community rallies around the Pilots and this event every year. We could not be more grateful. This year, we netted right at $12,800. Our deepest thanks to the invaluable sponsors, chili cooks, and community members who attended. The money raised will be poured back into the community in many important ways.”

All funds raised support the nonprofit’s mission of providing education to prevent traumatic brain injury, and by offering services to those with brain related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, and Autism.

Bicycle Safety, Project LifeSaver, Special Olympics, and scholarships are just a few of the efforts they support that enhance the health, safety, and quality of life for the community.

The Pilot Club also serves as a program partner for the Dolly Parton Library, with some of the funds raised being used to serve children in the Quitman, Alba-Golden, and Yantis areas, from birth to age five, by sending one free age-appropriate book a month by mail.