Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The fifth annual MVRS Chili Cook-Off was again a great success thanks to 500 people, great chili and a true team effort by all six of the “competing” organizations!

This annual winter event is one of the most community-oriented in Mathews County with the following civic organizations participating: Mathews Rotary, Mathews Lions, Mathews Ruritans, Piankatank Ruritans, American Legion Post 83 and the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad—a truly amazing array of people who only have helping others as their total mission.

Keeping with that mission, all of the funds raised go back in some form to help Mathews people. The Piankatank Ruritan Club pulled off a sweep by winning both the Judges Award (Chief Judge Betty Wrenn Day, Mark and Jo Ann Letchworth and guest judge Shelly Williams) and the People’s Choice Award.

Thanks to our communications partners for helping get the word out: the Gazette-Journal, Xtra 99.1 FM, 101.7 Bay FM, Two Rivers Comm...