Chili cookoff raises $25,000 for Suicide Prevention

Intero’s chili cookoff does more than provide a fix for Carson Valley chili lovers.

“It’s not just a chili cookoff, it brings a lot of awareness to the nonprofits,” said Intero Broker and Co-Manager Jen Almeida. “We have 30 agents here so we are in the community a lot and touch of lot people; if nothing else, bringing awareness to good causes is something we want to do.”

This year’s sixth annual cookoff raised $25,000 for Suicide Prevention Network.

Almeida said each year Intero chooses a nonprofit to highlight during the cookoff and it provides the opportunity to educate about and raise funds for the different nonprofits in the area. In the past the chili cookoff has supported DAWG, Animal Rescue Relay, Austin’s House and more.

“The number of calls we got because of your chili cookoff was amazing,” said Suicide Prevention Network Executive Director Debbie Posnien.

“There are so many stories we hear all the time that we can’t share, but your event opened that door for more people to share their stories. We had people tell us they just know how it feels to lose someone to suicide; it was just amazing the support and awareness you all gave us.”

Suicide Prevention Network’s is a nonprofit that spreads awareness through education, intervention and support. They provide support and grief groups, educational resources, referrals for families and individuals, community awareness events and more.

“This is amazing what this will do for the community there’s only so much a grant can do, with this we can do so much more,” said Debbie from Suicide Prevention. “This check reaches those that are struggling in our community. We appreciate each and every one of you and the community as well.”