AUGUSTA, N.J. (Sussex County) — Plans are underway for the annual Chili Open Golf Classic fundraiser, set for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, with proceeds benefiting Project Give Shelter, a Project Self-Sufficiency initiative that helps county residents secure emergency and stable housing.
Funds raised through past Chili Open events have assisted 265 local families, including 401 adults and 342 children, by providing more than 1,900 shelter nights and restoring heat and electricity to 60 households, according to Project Self-Sufficiency.
“Success in becoming self-sufficient is built on a stable foundation of secure and safe housing,” said Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “It’s difficult to find a job, hold a job, get an education, or receive training when you don’t know where you’re going to sleep at night, or you must constantly relocate.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser will help cover emergency shelter, security deposits, rent and utility payments for individuals and families in need, Berry-Toon said. Project Give Shelter is part of a broader effort to combat homelessness in Sussex County and is designed to support both renters and landlords.
“Project Self-Sufficiency has comprehensive wraparound programs and the staff to coordinate our efforts with other community providers to assure families and children are not left out in the cold,” Berry-Toon said.
The Chili Open Golf Classic, a wintertime tradition for more than two decades, is played on a makeshift course at the fairgrounds. Golfers compete in a scramble format on two of the four nine-hole, par-three courses before heading indoors for lunch featuring food donated by local restaurants, including a variety of chili. The event also includes music by R.E.N.O. the Band, a putting contest, beverages and more.
Rotary Clubs in Branchville, Newton and Wallkill partner with Project Self-Sufficiency to assist with the event, helping organize meals, staff a cash bar and provide souvenir photos for participants.
“Many golfers have been attending the Chili Open for years,” said Bruce Tomlinson, Project Self-Sufficiency Development Director and a longtime participant. “In some ways, the Chili Open is like an annual community family reunion.”
The event has been held in a wide range of winter conditions over the years, from below-zero wind chills to milder temperatures. In some years, snow has been plowed from the makeshift fairways and golf cups have frozen solid.
“Golfers of all skill levels have a great time, regardless of the weather,” Tomlinson observed. “But they do seem to like the challenge of less-than-ideal conditions.”
Organizers said sponsors and golfers are encouraged to participate to support residents facing housing crises in Sussex County. Registration and sponsorship information is available at www.projectselfsufficiency.org/chili-open.
