Participants sample the offerings at last year’s Sigma Pi Epsilon, the chemistry fraternity chili cook-off to raise money for Relay for Life.

As Shepherd University’s annual Relay for Life approaches, numerous teams around the community are trying to create lucrative fundraisers to contribute to the fight against cancer.

Sigma Pi Epsilon, the chemistry fraternity at Shepherd, is taking a tastier route than most.

For the second year, the honorary academic frat, is hosting a chili cook-off. All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society and will help Sigma Pi Epsilon compete with other teams to raise the most money at Relay.

Jess Johnson, a senior at Shepherd and president of the fraternity , has high hopes for the 2010 event.

“Last year, over twenty teams entered chili and over a hundred people came to try chili and listen to great music. In less than four hours we raised over $700,” Johnson said. “This year, we hope to double the amount of teams that participate and the amount of money we raise.”

The day of chili and fun takes place March 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Ram’s Den of the Student Center on Shepherd’s campus. Teams will serve their individual chili to the crowds of supporters, and throughout the day people will vote on their favorite chili as well as judges from the school and community.

Up until the announcement of judges’ and people’s choice for best chili, local artists and DJs will provide entertainment.

“It’s a really fun day for everyone. Even last year when it drizzled the entire four hours, the different kinds of chili you got to try from all the organizations and the local music just made it a good time. It was an almost effortless event to raise so much money,” said Jessi Gregory, team captain of The Anchors.

Johnson said any and all are welcome to participate in the cook-off.

Those interested can e-mail her at jjohnson22@shepherd.edu or send their application to her at Jess Johnson MP 111, P.O. Box 9002, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV 25443-9002. The application needs to include a contact person’s phone number and e-mail address, a team name as well as a description of their chili, something as simple as vegan red chili.

The day of the event participants need to bring $7 for the entry fee and will have to sign a waiver. The chili should be served in crock pots and the teams must bring a serving utensil to dish out their food and an extension cord.

And the final product of all the fundraising, Relay for Life, will be held April 16 on the Midway field of Shepherd University from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. with more games, entertainment, raffles, food and prizes.