FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Charity begins at home, some say, unless it’s Chili for Charity, a fundraiser for Ecumenical Ministries Inc. (EMI) scheduled to take place Feb. 20, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Oak Hollow Farm, 14210 S. Greeno Road, south of Fairhope.

This will be the 10th annual chili cookoff, where teams of family members, businesses, churches and even political candidates gather to battle for countywide bragging rights.

The team with the chili judged best by a blue ribbon panel of judges wins commemorative pottery by Clay City potter Tom Jones, along with the right to taunt the losers until next year’s showdown.

But, there are really no losers, according to Darlene Haas, EMI community liasion and event organizer. The clients who depend on the United Way agency for a variety of services all benefit from the generosity of not only those who form chili teams to compete, but also the thousands who turn out each year to enjoy the fun.

“We’ve been extremely blessed in the sense our community continues to be generous to us,” she said. “That’s a result of us being here so long and people knowing what we do. There’s a level of trust that makes it easier for people to open their pocketbooks.”

Tickets to Chili for Charity (which includes all the chili you can eat — until the supply runs out) are $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 3-12. If you would like to take home a commemorative Tom Jones bowl, they are $30 each and come with an event ticket. T-shirts are $10.

All may be purchased today, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday, from noon until 4 p.m., at Windmill Market, 85 N. Bancroft St. in Fairhope. EMI Executive Director Sally Deane, along with board members Carol Stickney, Linda Gibson and Naomi Betterton will be on hand in the EMI booth at the popular venue.

They may also be purchased at EMI’s offices in Fairhope and Foley and at the gate. A wrist band will be exchanged for the tickets on-site.

Haas said, “This year for the first time we’re going to have (meteorologist and outdoor show host) Jason Smith from FOX 10 as our emcee. We have a great obstacle course and slides for the kids, along with hayrides, face-painting, balloon animals, a big slide and a moonwalk.”

Blind Dog Mike and the Howlers will perform during the gastronomical party, and everyone is welcome to dance.

Also planned are a huge bake sale, and there will be a mechanical bull to ride and antique cars and vintage tractors on display. The Emerald Coast Jeepers will be on hand, and Chick-fil-A will sell chicken sandwiches for those with delicate palates.

Haas said sponsors and chili teams are still needed.

Sponsorships are still available for $300 (silver), $500 (gold), $1,000 (platinum) and $5,000 (event). Em and Joe Johnson are event sponsors again this year, along with Jones. Other sponsors so far include BBVA Compass Bank, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, First National Bank of Baldwin County, Riviera Utilities and Stacey Rexall Drugs.

It costs only $55 for a business or church to form a team, and $25 for family teams. Each must prepare seven to 10 gallons of chili.

EMI was founded in 1969 with one program, and now helps the less fortunate in several ways. Among the social programs the nonprofit organization provides are emergency aid, food pantries, Meals on Wheels, prescription assistance, gleaning, home repair, Emmy’s Thrift Shop (donated furnishings are sometimes donated to families in need), community development services, Christmas Sharing and Baldwin County Hope (housing and education).

Such programs are more important than ever in a tough economy. Haas said, “What we’re seeing are clients we’ve never seen before, including middle income people. These are teachers, as well as people in service jobs. Service jobs are a big part of our (local) industry. We’re getting more inquiries than before.”

With more service being provided these days, more money is needed and a good turnout for Chili for Charity is important. Haas said the agency is hoping more than 40 teams will sign up this year.

“Of course (the slow economy) puts a strain on our budget and our resources,” she said. “We partner with other nonprofits and if we can’t help, we help them find help through other agencies such as Catholic Social Services and Goodwill. We put our heads together and try to be as much help as possible. It’s a stretch.”

For more information about Chili for Charity, to sign up a team or become a sponsor, call (251) 928-3430 or (251) 943-3445.