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By Crystal Reith The Hadley Lions will host their annual chili challenge fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m., or until gone, on Saturday, Jan. 3 at the Hadley Community Center.
“The Lions organization is devoted to community services and doing things for people around the world which includes your friends, neighbors and community all over the world,” said Rick Like, vice president of the Hadley Lions. “Clubs are encouraged to think of our own communities first.”
Like came up with the idea to do a chili challenge roughly two decades ago as a way to raise funds for those in need.
“It went over so well that we did it again the following year and every year since,” said Like who has been a Lions member for 40 years. “There is always a cause out there, somebody we can help.”
There are no specific requirements for being selected to receive the fundraiser’s proceeds. Members offer suggestions of individuals or groups in need, discuss various situations and vote on who they feel they can best support. The recipient of the fundraiser proceeds is Larry Plantz, of Slayton.
Plantz was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell.
“For a long time, I was having pain in my side and back,” said Plantz. “The doctor told me that I had to do radiation to take care of the spots on my spine and needed chemo treatment.”
A second opinion at the Mayo Clinic confirmed he needed to begin cancer treatment.
“They took blood and my protein was way off. They can judge if I’m getting better or worse by the protein in my blood tests,” he said. ”It can’t be cured, but it can be treated.”
Plantz receives infusion treatments and takes chemotherapy pills. Despite having brittle bones, he said he feels good.
“When we heard about Larry’s situation, we voted to give the proceeds to him,” said Like. “People in the community want to help, but don’t always know what to do so we do a chili challenge.”
The freewill offering meal will feature eight different chilis, grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, dessert and beverages. The chilis, made by volunteer competitors, are voted on by diners. The Slayton Fire Department will try to defend its title after being crowned champion the past three years. In addition to bragging rights, the winning team’s name is engraved on a traveling trophy.
“The Hadley Lions deeply appreciate support from not only participants, but the businesses, organizations and community,” said Like. “We hope people come out, have a good time and walk away feeling good that they contributed to a worthwhile cause.”
Plantz echoed Like’s sentiments and said he appreciates the extra support from the Lions and the community.
