RAPID CITY, SD—‘Good Chili, Great People, ‘A Stronger Community’ is the theme as flavor meets philanthropy later this month when employees from the City of Rapid City host the second annual community chili cookoff in support of the City Utility Assist initiative.
The chili cookoff dinner will be held Tuesday, October 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Dahl Arts Center.
Aspiring chili chefs are encouraged to bring a crockpot of their favorite recipe and compete in the friendly competition. The public is invited to attend the event, enjoy chili and donate to the City Utility Assist initiative, which assists residents with keeping their utility services active.
Event organizers hope to build on the success of last year’s cookoff, which raised $1,600 to help Rapid City households experiencing temporary financial hardship.
Attendees will serve as the judges, casting their votes for People’s Choice awards in two categories and helping determine who earns bragging rights for having some of the best chili in the City.
“This is one of those events where having a good time can also do some real good,” said City Public Works Administration Operations Manager Shannon Truax. “You can try some great chili, enjoy some entertainment, cheer on your favorite cooks and know that your support is helping someone in our community get through a difficult time. Whether you bring a crockpot or just bring your appetite, we hope people will come be part of it.”
City Utility Assist is a staff-driven initiative created to connect community generosity with local households that need short-term assistance maintaining essential City water, sewer and solid waste services.
The City Utility Assist Fund is supported entirely by voluntary donations, with every dollar raised going directly to helping local families in crisis with their City utility bills. City employees are already contributing, and the City is inviting residents, businesses and civic groups to join the effort. The City partners with the Saint Vincent DePaul Society to administer the assistance program. Saint Vincent DePaul collaborates with other people of goodwill in relieving need and addressing its causes.
“City Utility Assist started with a simple idea: give people in our community another way to help their neighbors,” Truax said. “Last year’s chili cookoff and this spring’s soup dinner showed us how willing people are to step up when they know their contribution can make a meaningful difference for someone right here in Rapid City.
“For some households, an unexpected expense or temporary setback can make it difficult to keep up with essential bills. A relatively small amount of assistance at the right time can help someone regain their footing. That’s why every bowl of chili, every donation and every person who shows up matters. This program is neighbors helping neighbors, and we hope the community will continue to make it their own.”
Register online to be a contestant at https://forms.rcgov.org/chilicookoff2026. For other information on participating in the event, contact Truax at 605-394-4165 or shannon.truax@rcgov.org
