Chili fundraiser was hot ticket, so it's coming back

The Saunders Volunteer Fire Department is bringing back its successful chili fundraiser for a second year.

The Saturday, Feb. 20 event, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the fire house, will help raise funds to equip the all-volunteer station with communications electronics and firefighter gear, as well as help pay for utilities and maintenance, training and an engine room expansion, said P.W. Morgan, a volunteer firefighter.

"Keeping a fire company going is easier said than done," he said. "We're very thankful for everything we can get."

The dinner will include homemade chili, baked potatoes, corn bread, desserts and drinks. The department will accept donations, said Morgan.

Lenny Mollo, the firefighter behind the chili, said the meal was a big hit last year, despite the 12-degree temperature.

"Last year, I made 169 pounds of chili," he said. "We had 125 people show up."

Mollo said they sold out of the chili, including six 12-ounce containers some visitors purchased as they left.

"At least three people said, 'I don't like chili, but I enjoyed yours,'" said Mollo. "And they actually bought chili to take home."

The recipe is Mollo's own at-home creation, put together without exact measurements. Last year, he used 25 pounds of ground beef in the mix. Although he'll make the same amount of chili this year, he said he'll use about 40 pounds of ground beef to make it meatier.

Mollo said the chili "has a little bite," but it's not too spicy. Those looking for more of a kick can add some hot sauce the firefighters will have on hand.

In addition to the chili, the department will provide baked potatoes -- last year they made 150, but they plan to make more this year -- with fixings including sour cream, chives, bacon bits and cheddar cheese.

There also will be homemade corn bread and desserts made by the Saunders Auxiliary Fire Belles and firefighters' wives, said Mollo.

"When it's cold out, it's a nice, hearty meal," he said.

Mike Wachter, the department's chief financial officer, said the nonprofit gets money from Bedford County, a few grants and community donations, with the bulk coming from the county.

"It doesn't come anywhere near meeting our needs," said Wachter. "That's why we need the help of the public."

Last year's expenses were $135,442, he said. Last year's chili festival netted about $500 and Wachter said they're happy for "every penny."

"We operate on donations," said Morgan. "The more we receive, the better we can serve the public."

To donate to the Saunders Volunteer Fire Company, send checks to: P.O. Box 14, Huddleston, VA 24014.