Chili and Beds on Wheels to Benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation

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Baylor University's Alpha Tau Omega and Chi Omega chapters have teamed up again to host the annual All University Bed Races and Chili Cook-Off. This event will help raise money for the North Texas Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chi Omega's national philanthropy.

The event, which is open to the public, begins at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Fountain Mall. A $5 admission fee will include tasting 45 different chili recipes entered into the contest, as well as Chipotle burritos and Vitek's chili. The KOT Front Porch Band also will perform.

Those who do not compete in the events are welcome to show their support to the Make-A-Wish Foundation by purchasing t-shirts for $12 at the Bill Daniel Student Center, Memorial, Penland and Collins residence hall cafeterias. Alpha Tau Omega and Chi Omega are donating all t-shirt proceeds directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The evening will begin with Bed Races, where five-member teams race each other down Fountain Mall pushing one member on a hospital bed through an inflatable obstacle course. The event is a double-elimination tournament, with separate brackets for men and women teams.

The Bed Races will feature 52 teams competing for four cash prizes. First place will receive $150, second $100, third $50 and best costume $100.

"We want this year to be a success and make money for Make-A-Wish Foundation," said Ben Newcome, Bed Races chair.

"The event raised enough money to grant two wishes in Waco last year and we're hoping to do the same thing this year," said Jessica Wedel, Chi Omega service chair. "There is always room to grow and be able to grant more wishes."

The Make-A-Wish Foundation's mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

The cost associated with coordinating a wish varies depending on the type of wish, but as of March 2009, the average cost of a wish was $7,362.

"Last year the Chili Cook-Off raised $12,146.27, but this year we hope to raise even more money," said Adair Freeman, Chi Omega Chili Cook-Off chair.

by Colton Wright, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805