The Quitman Pilot Club’s (QPC) Annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser, held Jan. 30 at the Carroll Green Civic Center, was a “hot” place to be. Twenty-two chefs from local businesses and civic clubs competed to bring home trophies in three categories: best chili picked by judges, people’s choice chili, and showmanship (since the event involved costumes and décor).

The sequestered chili judges were Wood County Judge Kevin White, Tom Keenan and Keith Zimmerman. First place went to first-time entrants Aspen Hospice and Palliative Care. Second place was awarded to Lowe-Gardener Funerals and Cremations, and the third place went to the Lake Country Car Club.

Susan Henderson, Betty Young and Candace Brooks judged the showmanship category. The trophy winners who stood out from the rest were the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis for first place, the Wood County Electric Co-op for second place and the First National Bank of East Texas for third place.

People’s choice trophies, earned by raising the most tips from fans, went to the Links at Land’s End for first, the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis for second and the Land’s End Volunteer Fire Department for third. Together, all the cooks collected $1,512 in tips, which were turned over to the Pilots.

The 2026 grand marshals of the event, selected for their dedication to the community, were Precinct 4 Commissioner Russell Acker and his wife, Sharon. QPC President JoAnn Zimmerman presented the award and recounted the many ways the two have enhanced Quitman. As grand marshals, the Ackers bestowed an award to one deserving booth, and they chose the Wood County Electric Co-op. 

The dessert auction – always a fun part of the evening – was organized by Patricia Hightower and auctioned by Acker. Acker’s fast-paced style commanded lively bidding, bringing over $3,600. Throughout the night, musician Preston Barrett rocked the house with his high-energy retro ’50s and ’60s vocals and guitar. 

“Our cook-off is beloved in our community, and while it is great fun, it’s also an important fundraiser for our club,” said QPC Chairwoman Brenna Russell. “We extend our deepest thanks to all who participated and attended. The money raised will be poured back into the community in many important ways.”

Russell said that the club raised over $16,600.

All funds raised support the Pilot Club of Quitman’s mission of providing education to prevent traumatic brain injury and offering services to those with brain-related disorders. As the program partner for the Dolly Parton Library, the club also makes it possible for every child in Quitman, Alba-Golden, and Yantis, from birth to age 5, to receive one free, age-appropriate book per month.