Cook off for a cause takes place Nov. 9

Every fall for the past 18 years, Sloan and Jennifer Nelson, owners of Ol’ Pastime Tavern, have organized a chili cook-off to help those in need. The prior owners established the tradition but the Nelsons added a charitable component as a way to give back. “The previous owner did it but not the same way,” said Sloan. “We tweaked it to be our own and made it a fundraiser.”

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, Nov. 9, starting at 2 p.m. The rules are simple: show up with a crockpot of chili. Then cooks and patrons enjoy a round of taste tests and vote for their favorite. “Everyone can bring chili and participate by bringing a crockpot full,” said Sloan. “Chili is what you believe chili is. We don’t get worked up about beans, no beans, meat, or no meat.”

Attendees pay a donation fee of their choosing to participate in judging. This is done by giving each person three kidney beans to disperse into the chili they feel is the winner, with awards being given out to first, second, and third place.

Each year, three charities are chosen to receive the donations from participant fees, which the Nelsons match, and the recipient is chosen by the attendees. “At the end, you get an additional bean, and the bar and staff selects three local charities,” said Sloan. “Rainier is a small town and it’s important that we recognize that and raise money for that within our circle. We pick three local charities and then let everyone know [so they can] vote on which charity is going to get the money. We count out each of the beans in each of the pots. The charity that wins, the bar matches what the patrons put in.”

Last year’s charitable donation recipient went to support children in foster care in the 97048 zip code. “[It’s for] kids removed from their home that are residing in the zip code,” said Sloan. “We go with cash and buy gift cards to Walmart.” The goal is for the kids [to] get the money to spend on things they want. They plan on including this same option again this year in addition to HOPE of Rainier and Power On With Limb Loss, which isn’t a local non-profit but is an organization close to the heart for a staff member.

When asked why they hold this event every year, Sloan said, “I love food and it fills the bar. It makes people feel good and food makes people feel happy. It’s small little rivalries, and we give these trophies, and there’s some bragging rights. As a small community, we can focus on what impact we can have on our little circle. It’s important we all do our part to make the world just a tiny bit better.”

Ol’ Pastime Tavern is located at 105 E A St. in Rainier. For info, call 503-556-2442.