Frigid conditions created a perfect day for the 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off at the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday. The event was held to raise funds for “Austin’s Blue Line,” a non-profit organization named after Austin Scarpone.

“Austin was my son,” said founder Sharon Gerhart. “In 2021, he took his own life. I couldn’t let that be the end. There had to be something more.”

Last year’s Chili Cook Off raised $2,500. This year they hoped to raise even more.

“We raise money for suicide prevention awareness in Monroe County,” Gerhart said. “And then we also give out scholarships to kids that want to be police officers, firefighters, first responders. Austin wanted to be a state trooper. So that’s why we call it Austin’s blue line.”

Every contestant brings their chili already made, bringing whatever sides they like to go with it. Some people bring extra hot sauce or extra jalapeno peppers, chips, sour cream, anything to make their chili stand out.

Participants paid an entry fee and visitors paid to try the various types of chili and vote for their favorites. At the end of the day, they choose the top three winners.

First place went to Rocky Johnson, second place to Jaime Borger, and third place to Pat Piano. It was Rocky Johnson’s second year competing. He developed his own recipe.

“It’s called Rocky’s Slow Cook Wood Stove Chili,” Johnson, of Kunkletown, said. “And it is cooked on a wood stove.”

Cathy Bruno of Effort represented the Western Pocono Women’s Club.

“They sent an email to some women in the club, and I volunteered to take part for the first time. I am making a vegetarian bean chili, which is hot and spicy,” Bruno said.

“Last year we gave out $3,000 worth of scholarships from money raised at all our events,” Gerhart said, “We gave out one to a Pleasant Valley student, one to a Pocono Mountain East student, and one to an East Stroudsburg student.”

Visit the website at www.austinsblueline.org, or their Facebook Page, Austin’s Blue Line.