GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. On Saturday, Grand Valley residents prepared their tastiest chili recipes, helping Sprouts Farmers Market raise money for a good cause. Sprouts held their first-ever Chili Cook-Off, as part of their Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece fundraising campaign.
Dollars raised will help create a neighborhood grant program, designed to fund local organizations serving children and adults affected with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Folks donated $10 to get their chili in the running. The Chili Cook-Off was judged by members of the community. The winner received a $100 gift certificate to the Grand Junction Sprouts Farmers Market. Attendees paid $2 for all the chili they could eat!
Rose Renteria, one of the bookkeepers at Sprouts, said, "We have local vendors that sell products in our store and we just want to be a part of the community, more than just a franchise. So we're here in Grand Junction, this is our home. We plan to stay and we want to be a part of everything that goes on here."
Folks who couldn't make it to the chili cook-off can still help out the cause. All Sprouts customers can add a donation to their final sale at time of purchase. All donations over $20 will receive a $5 off coupon printed on their receipt.
The Grand Junction Sprouts Farmers Market is currently number one in the nation for donations raised for this campaign. The fundraiser goes until March 13.
