Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The 6th Annual Vallarta Charity Chili Cook-Off was a roaring success! February 24, 2018 was another beautiful Saturday at Kurt Sinner's El Rio BBQ along the Rio Cuale in Paso Ancho. Hollis again did an outstanding job on the riblets this year.

The Jay Sadler Project, sponsor of the fund-raising event, raised $101,000 pesos, thanks to our participants:

The Good Wake Up Show with Michael Nolan, which airs from 9-11 am Saturday mornings on 104.3 Radio Universidad Guadalajara; Anglers Anonymous; Captain Don's Sports Bar; Casa Anita and Corona Del Mar; D'Z Route 66 Diner; El Torito Sports Bar; Escondida Sports Bar; Kelly's Pour Favor; Lighthouse Specialty Foods; Luke's Bar; Murphy's Irish Pub on the Malecon; Nacho Daddy Restaurant & Sports Bar; Navy League/R.I.S.E. and Torpedos Football Americano. In addition, PV Cupcakes donated $4,180 from sales made at the event to charities.

The event was co-sponsored by Print PV, Patron Tequila and Stratos Media Vallarta. Emcees were Pearl Burrus and Vera Carp. Two of the 22 zany characters from Greater Tuna, a satirical comedy about small towns, small minds and big hearts, now playing at Incanto Puerto Vallarta.

A large crowd of chili and music lovers came out to enjoy sampling the participants' recipes, along with musical entertainment provided by Zoe Lewis, Mikki Prost, Da Crew and The Texas Embassy Blues Band featuring vocalist Sean Moore, and the winners were:

Popularity Vote:
1st Place - Nacho Daddy - Chili #3
2nd Place - Hotel Casa Anita - Chili #2
3rd Place - Escondida Sports Bar - Chili #13

Professional Judging Vote:
1st Place - Captain Dons - Chili #12
2nd Place - American Legion/Anglers Anonymous - Chili #9
3rd Place - Nacho Daddy - Chili #3

All proceeds from the cook-off go to local charities and the community:

• Estancia Sabrina Proyecto Busca un Amigo – Day care center for children with disabilities

• DIF New Life Home for Boys – Help for young boys who have had a troubled past

• Scholarships to play Torpedos American Football - This year one boys was awarded a full scholarship to Monterrey Institute of Technology to play football.

• DIF - A Mexican public institution of social assistance that focuses on strengthening and developing the welfare of the Mexican families.

• The Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (Children's Shelter of Hope), also known as R.I.S.E., a non-profit shelter for babies and children up to the age of 14 who have been turned over by DIF Puerto Vallarta.

• Torpedos American Football A.C. – Pop Warner youth football for boys and girls ages 7 to 17. Donations are made for equipment.

• Jay Sadler Community Relations Projects A.C. – In 2017 30 projects were completed; in 2016 18 projects; during the past 5 years, 100.

• Anglers Anonymous - A non-profit fishing club located on the Central Coast of California with memberships all the way to the San Joaquin Valley.

Anglers Anonymous exists to help promote fishing as a way of living that enhances the lives of all who enjoy catching fish. They promote and protect our local fishery and support fellow fishermen. Encourage passing fishing skills on to the next generation to keep our sport alive! The only requirement for membership is a passion for fishing.

100% of proceeds raised from the Chili Cook-Off will go toward putting veterans on boats for a full day of all expense paid fishing!

The initial objective is to bring 4 to 6 American/Canadian combat veterans plus one sponsor to Puerto Vallarta for 5 days of fishing and R&R. Arrive Wednesday July 25th and depart Monday July 30th. Wayne Lucas of Luke's Bar is working with the Canadian police association on this project. The Jay Sadler Project has pledged $20,000 pesos in support.

Jeff Dana, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan is leading the effort in Puerto Vallarta. Stan Francis who finished 2nd in the Popularity Vote provided the chili.

Thanks also goes out to the Puerto Vallarta Municipality, DIF and Transito for their assistance with highway banners announcing the cook-off.