Suitcases for New Beginnings to host chili cook-off fundraiser, October 25

Suitcases for New Beginnings, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a suitcase or duffel bag to every child entering the foster system, invites the community to join them for a chili cook-off on Saturday, October 25, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Foster Closet Thrift Store, 10726 St. Hwy. 76, Suite A, Forsyth. 

Admission is just $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 7-plus, with FREE admission for foster children, for this fun event featuring crafts, vendors, costumes and live music. Raffle tickets are also available for $5 for a chance to win an Armscor snub-nose .38 special revolver. In addition to tasting the various chili entries, there will be hot dogs and desserts available for purchase, with all proceeds from the event benefiting this valuable service to area children. 

Children and teens enter foster care through no fault of their own due to abuse, neglect, or other situations making it unsafe to continue living safely with their families. Their circumstances have often made them feel like they don’t matter, and unfortunately, the very act of removing them from the situation to keep them safe can contribute to this feeling of worthlessness, as Social Services agencies do not have the finances to purchase suitcases for the children and time is often of essence, meaning the children leave situations with the clothes they are wearing and a few belongings hastily gathered into a trash bag. 

Suitcases for New Beginnings founder Cheryl Adair, having been through the foster system herself, wants to help remedy this situation, providing not only the suitcase or duffel but also some basic necessities to go in them. For some children, the toothbrush in the suitcase is the first one they’ve ever owned or their first new one in several years.  

To learn more about the fundraiser, or to register to participate, email cheryl@suitcasesfornewbeginnings.org or call 417-297-8905 or 417-337-0372.