Chili cookers, tasters help to build new animal society facility

Animal lovers flocked to the back patio of the Charleston Maritime Center on Saturday to have a taste of some of the area's finest chili and raise money for animals.

The Port City Jammers dance band rocked out the Celebrity Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction fundraiser, held by the Charleston Animal Society, formerly the John Ancrum Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

On each table was a "dog bank" that cook-off visitors filled with money. Charleston County Solicitor Scarlett Wilson's table raised the most, landing her the People's Choice Award.

Local personalities prepared pots of chili for the public and a panel of judges: Frank Lee from Slightly North of Broad, Bob Waggoner of Charleston Grill and Aaron Deal of Tristan.

The panel of distinguished chefs declared Channel 2 anchorman Brad Franko Best of Show, delivering an unexpected upset to three-time winner "Two Girls and a Guy" from the 95SX radio morning show. Channel 4 anchorwoman Angela May's chili won Most Traditional, and second year participant Charleston County Councilwoman Colleen Condon's chili won Most Unique for what the judges called a "rich, chocolatey flavor."

Matt Oxenrider of West Ashley was out with his girlfriend and dog, a Boxer mix named Leroy, also known as Spike.

"All of the chilies were good. It's also a good cause," Oxenrider said. "The SPCA really makes a difference by helping animals. We got Leroy from the Leeds Avenue location and he already had shots."

His girlfriend, Carie Jo Wright, said she'd never been to one of the pet organization's fundraisers but is looking forward to participating in more after the fun she had Saturday. "I think they need a new building. It's so crowded over at Leeds Avenue."

Proceeds from the event will go toward the building of a new 33,000-square-foot "life-saving facility," said Kay Hyman, CAS director of outreach and communications.

"It's an $11 million project and we have $5 million more to go, and we usually raise around $30,000 at the cook-off. The new building is going to change animal lives in the Lowcountry," Hyman said. "We do this to help raise awareness about homeless animals, too."

With their new building comes a new name, changed at the end of November. Jim Morrill, CAS executive director, explained that the new name better reflects the services it provides.

"It's not just an animal shelter. We also provide education about pet populations, we have an adoption program, and the spay/neuter clinic," Morrill said.

Many of those who participate in the event do so because they want to help.

Lesa Johnson, community Coordinator at Earth Fare, said the organic supermarket has been helping out with other CAS fundraisers throughout the year.

"It's only fitting to cap it off with the Chili Cook-Off. ... We stand by the Animal Society's mission to stop cruelty against animals and help control animal population," Johnson said.