Food, family and a little friendly competition is what the United Givers Carport Cookoff is all about.
The event on Saturday begins with a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m., with registration at 7 a.m. Registration is $30.
At 11 a.m., the grills get cranked-up, with participants in the cook-off preparing chili, chicken wings, chicken thighs, or jambalaya for judges and attendees. Registration is $75 per category. Winners get $150 per category, and the People’s Choice Award winner also will receive $150. The overall winner takes home $500.
The organization is trying to raise $120,000 by Nov. 25, with the funds going to area nonprofits.
“It’s all for a good cause,” executive director Molly Johnson said. “ ... United Givers is a nonprofit group that can say that over 83 percent of donations go to charities and centers that offer healing and protection for women and families.”
Local recipients are the Salvation Army, the McComb Interdenominational Care Association, Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Mississippi, ARC of Southwest Mississippi, Children’s Center for Communication & Development at the University of Southern Mississippi, the Crisis Pregnancy Center, Excel By 5, Santa’s Helpers, W.I.N.G.S., St. Andrew’s Mission, Southwest Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center and the Guardian Center for Battered Families.
Johnson said the event is planned for families to come and have a good time.
“Bring the family. Bring lawn chairs and coolers. There’s going to be a ton of kids activities,” she said.
There is a $5 cover for kids to enjoy a petting zoo, jumpers and other activities throughout the afternoon.
There will be tip jars for each cooking team for guests to donate as they taste test. Johnson said the judges will be mingling and are not revealed until the end of judging.
There is also live music with students from Jubilee Performing Arts Center performing, plus, musicians Brett Herrington and Tony Fowler.
The Mississippi Southern Cruisers Car Show will present eye candy for auto enthusiasts.
There also will be local beer vendors and a designated area for beer.
For more information, call 248-8295.
