MERRILLVILLE | Key Club at Merrillville High School and the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter are hosting a Chili Cook-off Contest & Tasting event from 4 to 6 p.m. March 1 in the cafeteria at Merrillville High School.

Last year's event raised $4,100 for lupus awareness, education, support services and research. Nineteen contestants offered their delicious chili for tasting and judging.

Applications for the contest will be accepted through Feb. 22, but the contest is limited to the first paid and registered 20 contestants. Applications are available at Merrillville High School, 276 E. 68th Place, and the Lupus Foundation office at 2642 Eleanor St. in Portage. Contestants are asked to submit a $25 refundable deposit upon registration.

For more information, call the LFA, Indiana Chapter at (219) 762-6575 or (866) 762-6575.

Each contestant should provide an ample supply of chili to serve samples to guests. Approximately 200 people are expected at attend.

The chili should be prepared off-site and brought to the event in a container suitable for keeping it warm. Each contestant will be provided a table to display and serve their chili.

Each contestant should provide a suitable tablecloth and any theme items they wish to enhance the presentation of their chili. The Lupus Chapter will provide taste cups, napkins, bowls and spoons. Condiments or additional spices that are normally served with the recipe should be provided by the contestant. This may include onions, cheese, crackers, hot sauces, etc. A list of rules and suggestions is available.

Official judging will take place between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. The winning contestant for Judges' Award for the Best All-Around Chili and a People's Choice Award winner will be announced at 6 p.m.

The contestant with the most donations in his/her jar will win the Lupus Award. Fundraising may be done prior to the March 1 event. Each contestant will receive a certificate of participation.

Admission to the event is $5. Each attendee will be entitled to a sample of every chili in the contest. Additionally, guests may purchase a bowl of their favorite chili from contestants for $2.

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is the nation's leading nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes and cure for lupus. Research, education, and patient services are at the heart of LFA's programs. The Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter provides awareness and education for the signs and symptoms of lupus for early diagnosis and treatment. Volunteers from the chapter facilitate support group meetings in Lake and Porter counties.

The chapter office in Portage serves the entire state. For more information, call (219) 762-6575 or visit www.lupusnwichapter.org.

- The Times