An annual benefit chili cookoff raised $7,500 for efforts supporting Grand Valley women with breast cancer.

The Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Cups for a Cure and joined with the Copper Club Brewing Company in Fruita and Timberline Bank in Grand Junction in presenting the event.

Allie Daniel, owner of the Happy Trails Colorado T-shirt shop in downtown Fruita, founded the event to help women in their fight against breast cancer. “It takes a community to fight cancer.
A fund-raiser full of fun and chili is the least we can do to show those across our community that are fighting this battle that they’re not alone. Their community is behind them.”

Proceeds from the Cups for a Cure were donated to the Family West and Community Hospital foundations to help fund their efforts to provide services and other resources to residents with cancer.

Proceeds from the event were raised through a chili cookoff with tasting tickets, a silent auction, a “bust the bra” event and additional contributions from the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce, Copper Club Brewing Company and Timberline Bank.

The event featured chili from a total of 10 local businesses and restaurants. Flavors Grille placed first, followed by the Flying Pig restaurant at Community Hospital in second and Camilla’s Kaffe in third. The other participants were Cattlemens Bar & Grill, Copper Club Grill, Dango Burrito, Fruita chamber, Mike’s Famous Chicken, Skip’s Farm to Market and Suds Brothers Brewery.