It’s on! The SECC Chili Cook-Off, Dessert Bake-Off, and Basket Building Challenge Auction will take place as scheduled.

Things were looking a little grim in the beginning, as a low number of entries threatened to cancel the longtime State Employees Charitable Campaign event. The Texas Woman’s community came through like champions, though. So head on over to the Southwest Ballroom at the Student Union between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, for a sampling of your colleagues’ best chili and desserts. Bid on a basket full of goodies while you’re there!

Admission to the event is $3 if you want chili or dessert only, or $5 for chili and pie. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card.

The Chili Cook-Off, Dessert Bake-Off, and Basket Auction is the final fundraising event for a campaign that has featured both in-person and virtual events. SECC co-chairs Scott Martin, Nora Sierra, and David Rylander spoke earlier this year about the strategy of planning the campaign amid continuing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re all very aware we have to prepare for being able to shift at any moment,” Martin said.

While the charitable campaign is winding down, there’s still time to give if you haven’t already. Check out the list of SECC charities, which includes a mini directory for different regions of the state. Then visit the “How to Give” page for information on giving online or by electronic or physical forms. If you donate by check, please make sure it’s made out to SECC.