Elberta Hardware is sponsoring a chili cook-off, November 3, at its new facility to raise money for Youth-Reach Gulf Coast, a Christian organization which will soon open foster group homes in Summerdale for at-risk teenagers and young adults.   

Community churches are invited to setup on the business’s grounds to serve their chili recipes for the fundraiser, along with anyone who thinks they have the best chili in town.  

Elberta Hardware will also hold an open-house that day to showcase their new location, located on U.S. 98, east of downtown Elberta.

“The biggest, friendliest, little hardware store in South Alabama,” was purchased in 1996 by Bob Strawn, from the previous owners, and he recently gave the reins of the family business to his son Rob.  

The business has expanded from its original location in downtown Elberta to an expanded facility with two new buildings, one for indoor display of outdoor power equipment and one dedicated to servicing the equipment they sell.  

Bob Strawn said that “the open house is to serve two purposes. One is in the interest of Elberta Hardware, but also to fulfill (Rob’s) long time interest and enthusiasm in Youth-Reach…to provide a fresh chance for troubled boys.

“He believes so strongly in helping the youth,” Bob Strawn said.

Rob Strawn said: “Youth Reach, I really believe it’s one of those things that God says you are in a certain place and you’re supposed to help…and we decided we’d try to raise the awareness of Youth-Reach in our community,” he said.  

Youth-Reach currently operates Christian foster homes in Houston; the program is “designed to remold the values and turn around the lives of at-risk youth, ages 12 to 21,” according to its website.  

The program is expanding to a Summerdale facility where they will provide a long-term residence including room and board, counseling, mentorship, job and college placement and an on-site school with GED certification, free of charge, said Billy Berrey, a juvenile investigator with the Gulf Shores Police Department, in a previous interview.   

Elberta Hardware will kick off the fundraiser and chili cook-off at 10 a.m. and will wrap up by 2 p.m.

The chili cook-off will be a judged competition, and there will also be a “People’s Choice” award.  

Two bands will entertain throughout the day, including Eli Krehling’s Polka Band, which will begin playing at 10:45 a.m.  

Besides chili, hot dogs and festival food will be served and refreshments.  

Those who attend will also have the opportunity to earn gift certificates ranging from $5 to $50.  

“We’re proud of the old hardware store and our new service center,” Bob Strawn said.  “We invite all to come.  Eat some chili, enjoy the entertainment and see our new facility.

“There will be plenty of parking available for everyone (and) all proceeds of the chili sales will go to support the new Youth-Reach facility.”

Anyone who would like to enter the chili cook-off or any additional information should contact Elberta Hardware at 986-5233.  

The event will be held at Elberta Hardware’s new facility, about one-mile east from downtown Elberta, U.S. 98.