Bee humble. Bee kind. Bee the reason someone eats today
An afternoon of comfort food, community spirit, and heartfelt giving is planned as Milestones Area Agency on Aging hosts its Second Annual Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Keokuk Heritage Center, located at 508 Main Street in Keokuk.
Held just ahead of Valentine’s Day, the event invites the Tri-State community to gather around good food, local talent, and a shared mission — ensuring area seniors receive nutritious meals and meaningful human connection.
A Fundraiser With Purpose
Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will benefit the Milestones home-delivered meal program, which provides hot, nutritious lunches to seniors age 60 and older who are homebound or in need of support. Meals are delivered door-to-door by dedicated volunteers, ensuring no senior is forgotten.
In addition to home-delivered meals, Milestones also offers congregate dining at the Keokuk Heritage Center and the Newberry Center in Fort Madison, where seniors can enjoy meals in a social setting along with activities like bingo, games and even yoga.
Lunch is served Monday through Thursday at noon, with a suggested contribution of $5 for participants age 60 and older.
A Team Making Waves
Inside the Keokuk Heritage Center is a group of hard-working staff and volunteers who are quietly “making waves” to create meaningful change for local seniors. At the heart of that effort is Michelle Kite, Nutrition Center manager and area program coordinator.
Kite has been with Milestones for nearly 15 years, starting as a substitute cook and working her way through every position before reaching her current role. Today, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while continually seeking creative ways to keep the program funded and sustainable.
This cook-off is something she came up with as a way to help meet the growing need in our area to keep our seniors fed and connected.
The Keokuk kitchen currently prepares an average of 125 meals per day, totaling approximately 1,800 to 2,000 meals per month, depending on serving days. The program operates Monday through Thursday for now, with hopes of expanding in the future. The Keokuk kitchen is supported by approximately 35 local volunteers.
Event Highlights and Schedule
Attendees will be able to sample chili from 10 different entries, vote for their favorite, and enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment and activities.
Event Highlights include:
• Chili tasting from local restaurants, organizations, and individuals
• Silent auction
• One LIVE mystery auction item
• Bake sale
• Live music
• Local author book signing
• Food, music, and fun for a meaningful cause
Schedule of Events:
Noon to 3 p.m.
• Chili tasting
• Silent auction
• Bake sale
• Photo displays by Doug Ewing Photography
• Book display and autograph signing by local author Adam J. Whitlatch
12:30 – 2 p.m.
• Live music by Peyton Skender
2 p.m.
• LIVE Mystery Auction Item
Auction features Earl Kite, auctioneer extraordinaire
(One item only — bidding goes live at 2:00 p.m. sharp)
2:30 p.m.
• Silent auction winners announced
3 p.m.
• Chili Cook-Off results announced
Chili Cook-Off Entries
This year’s chili entries come from a mix of fire departments, restaurants, businesses and individuals, including:
• Keokuk Fire Department (who have helped deliver meals for nine years)
• Sneazy Beaver Pub
• Chintz’s Bar & Grill
• Jennifer’s Family Restaurant
• Southside Boat Club
• Jackson Township Fire Department
• Miriam Hays
• Piney’s Pub & Grub
• Michelle Kite
• Jerry Hardman
Bake Sale Contributors
The bake sale will feature donated treats from:
• Ebbie’s Bakery
• Warsaw Mercantile
• Sherry Kay
• Ashley Egle with Warsaw Brewery
• Michelle Kite
• Dorinda Sue Gillham
Anyone is welcome to donate baked goods for the bake sale.
Special Guest Author
Local author Adam J. Whitlatch will be on-site from noon to 3 p.m. for a book signing.
Whitlatch writes in the genres of science fiction, fantasy and adventure, and his books will be available for purchase and autographing during the event.
Admission
A suggested donation of $10 includes unlimited chili tastings and extras, including the Heritage Center’s much-loved cornbread squares made by Head Cook Miriam “Mimi” Hays, served at each table.
Hays is the head cook at the Heritage Center, along with assistant cooks Tina Penrod and Dorinda Sue Gillham, who will all be working behind the scenes at the cook-off to ensure everything runs smoothly.
A 24-hour advance reservation is appreciated for regular Heritage Center meals.
Donations
Donations for the auction are still being accepted. Those interested in contributing items or making a monetary donation can contact Milestones or mail donations to:
Milestones at Heritage Center
508 Main Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Bee Part of Something Good
The mission of Milestones nutrition services is to:
• Reduce hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition among Iowa’s older adults
• Promote socialization and connection
• Support health and well-being through nutrition and disease prevention
Community members are encouraged to attend, support the cause, and help spread a little Valentine’s Day love where it’s needed most.
Dining and Cooking