AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After being canceled last year due to COVID-19, the Tri-State Open Chile Championship supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation has returned to the Rex Baxter Building for its 38th year.

“We couldn’t do what we do in our community and means the world we have here in Amarillo puts that in for us,” said Emily O’Brien, development manager for Make-A-Wish of North Texas.

Admission was free, but to sample the homemade chili, cups were $5, with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish.

“To see so many people come out. It only cost five dollars to take a little cup and go around and taste all the spice here in this building. This is heart-warming and means a lot to Make-A-Wish,” said Tri-State Open Chili Championship Cook-Off Co-Chair Millie Bingham.

O’Brien said the money raised from this event helps them continue their mission.

“It’s because of events like these that raise funds for us, they raise thousands of dollars for us, which means we can go out and grant the wishes of children with serious illnesses and ensure that we are able to instill hope in their situation as they walk with them and their families,” O’Brien added.

Bingham said the event has grown over 38 years. Starting with a handful of cooks, growing to over 90.

One of those cooks, Chris Virden, said he had been at the event for 17 years and it meant a lot to help out a great organization.

“Anything we can do at Rhynehart Roofing to support local charities is what we do and Make-A-Wish is one of our favorites,” Virden said.

Bingham said the cooks who participated in Saturday’s chili cookout came from all over the tri-state area.

Bingham added in 2019 that they were able to raise over $30,000 for Make-A-Wish and hoped to beat that this year.