A friendly rivalry between two Tamaqua volunteer fire companies has evolved into an annual event to benefit the American Cancer Society.

In 2013, members of the American Hose Company #1 and the East End Fire Company combined their love of chili and coal region specialty boilo to create a Chili and Boilo Cook Off event. The initial event collected $2,800 for the ACS, according to organizers, who hope to top that total this year.This year, the "Coming Together For a Cause" event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the East End Fire Company, 553 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and the best part, the tasting, will be done between 1 and 5 p.m. Special tasting and registration packages are available.Prizes will be awarded for the best traditional and specialty chili and boilo.For more information, or to register early, contact Brian Connely at 570-233-8006.