Carla Clark | For The Republic Design inside the addition designed by James Paris his partner the late Nolan Bingham of Paris/Bingham Partnership for the Columbus Fire Department, Central Fire Station 1, 1101 Jackson Street, Columbus, Indiana.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — The fundraising season for the 93rd annual Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund is underway with the organization’s signature event set for Friday.
The Cheer Fund Chili-Cookoff will include opportunities to enjoy a variety of recipes for both lunch and dinner on Friday, Nov. 3. Chili will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day at the Forge on Fourth, which opened last year at 418 Fourth St., Cheer Fund director Ben Noblitt said. Dinner will be carry-out only from 5 to 8 p.m. that evening.
“We want to be able to sit down with folks and socialize again,” Noblitt said. “The Chili-Cookoff is like the county fair because you see people you haven’t seen for a year.”
Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, chili has only been available on a carry-out basis at Fire Station 1, located at 11th and Washington. Friendly conversations had to be kept at a minimum due to social distancing precautions and the need to keep a long line of traffic moving quickly, he said.
This year, the evening supper will remain on a carry-out basis from 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. In order to alleviate potential traffic congestion, patrons will be asked to approach the station by turning west off Washington Street on to 15th Street and continuing two blocks before making a left hand turn on to Jackson Street. After attendees pick up their chili, they will be asked to exit on to 11th Street.
For those who like culinary challenges, you might be tempted to request the chili made by Bob Tempest, who retired as a firefighter in 2006. For years, Tempest’s chili has been considered the hottest offering at the event.
“Honestly, I’m not even sure that Bob, who grows his own peppers, can eat his own chili,” Noblitt said. “It is extremely hot. You normally have to cut it down with something else.”
As the carry-out chili orders are being filled at one end of Fire Station #1, “Kamp Out For Kids” will take place on the other. Sponsored by radio station WKKG (101.5 FM), local personalities have agreed to camp out from 10 a.m. on Nov. 3 until 3 p.m. on Nov. 4. Their supporters are encouraged to pledge donations to the Cheer Fund.
Last year, “Kamp Out For Kids” brought in nearly $2,750 in cash and about 600 new toys, according to White River Broadcasting General Manager Bob Morrison.
The Moose Family Center at 330 Eighth St. will host the next fundraiser – a Purse & Gun Bingo tournament that will get underway at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13. The ticket cost is $50 and the crowd is limited to 200.
2023 Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund – Important dates
Nov. 6 – Boxing of gifts will begin at the Cheer Fund headquarters at 2674 Verhulst Drive, just north of the Evolution Training Center. This year, one open boxing day will be offered in November, while another in December. Each public boxing night will be limited to 20 volunteers and their family members. Those who wish to participate during open boxing days should keep checking the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund Facebook page for dates and to register.
Dec. 9 – Deadline for applying for assistance. The Holiday Helpline is accepting applications for assistance over the telephone at 812-375-2216. The hotline is used to seek assistance from the Community Center of Hope Angel Tree, Shop With A Cop and Toys for Tots, as well as the Cheer Fund. The helpline will be manned weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 16 – Delivery day for the 93rd annual Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.
