“It was our largest turnout ever in the number of cooks and spectators and it was the most money we had ever raised,” said Landon Sturdivant, West Texas Center’s deputy director of operations and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

“I was worried about the turnout because it was so cold on Saturday but it didn’t hurt attendance at all. It just shows how committed the people are to raising money for children who need extra help.”

Proceeds from the tasting and entry fees benefited the Children in Need fund, which helps purchase school supplies, clothing, tuition for summer camps and helps meet other financial needs of special children who are receiving services from West Texas Centers for MHMR.

“It’s a really nice program that directly helps our kids,” Sturdivant said.

Prizes were awarded to several of the 38 cooks who braved the elements, he said. Earning first place was Tommy Tilley; Guy White, second; Janey Murley and Irma Garcia, third; Josh and Terry Howell, fourth; Rodney Jones, fifth; Kem Hooper, sixth; Mike Calvia, seventh; Josh Love, eighth; Shane Forrest, ninth; and Mike Mears, Tenth.

The Showmanship Award was presented to the Twisted Sisters team of Kelly Howell and Valerie White; Barb Clark, the Horses Award; Mac McCain, 50-50 winner; and Marty Kirby, who won a trip to the Inn of the Mountain Gods.

West Texas Centers for MHMR is the state-designated Mental Health Authority for 23 counties in rural West Texas. Mental health and mental retardation services are provided to more than 2,200 consumers and their families each month.