LEWISTON — Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice is holding two events in the coming weeks — the annual Soup, Chili and Chowder Challenge fundraiser, and the Meals and Memories remembrance.
The fundraiser is Saturday, Nov. 3, and the remembrance event is Saturday, Nov. 10.
The Dream Team, a group of staff, volunteers, family and friends of the organization who raise money annually for its hospice program are hosting the Soup, Chili, and Chowder Challenge from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Atrium at Bates Mill, 25 Canal St. Lewiston.
Would-be chefs from across the organization and community serve their best recipes for sampling, and those attending vote for the People’s Choice winner, while the judges pick the Judge’s Favorite. Judges for the tasting are Kevin Simoneau, of the Fortin Group; Cathy McDonald, long-time Androscoggin volunteer; and 2018 Miss Maine, Olivia Mayo.
“While we call it a tasting, our sample sizes are generous, and with so many aspiring cooks entering the competition our guests always go home full,” said Kate Sicotte, supervisor of the Hospice House and captain of the Dream Team. “It’s been so much fun to watch this event grow from just a small lunchtime event at work to a full on community fundraiser.”
Tickets are $10 in advance for adults, $5 for kids; $12 at the door, $6 for kids. Children under four are free. Tickets can be bought at Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice’s Lewiston office, 15 Strawberry Ave., the Hospice House on Stetson Road in Auburn, or at Baxter Brewing. All proceeds support The Dream Team’s fundraising efforts toward the agency’s 5K & Remembrance Walk.
MEALS AND MEMORIES
On Nov. 10, community members may join the free Meals and Memories event offer through the agency’s bereavement program as a way to help children, teens and adults navigate the holidays after losing a loved one.
“The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those experiencing loss,” said Amy Dulac, Androscoggin bereavement coordinator. “This event is designed to allow us to share delicious food, remember our loved ones, do some crafts, and learn healthy ways to grieve and remember.”
Guests are invited to bring a favorite dish to share that reminds them of their loved one, along with the recipe for it. Recipes will be compiled into a cookbook for guests to take home with them. Additionally, organizers encourage attendees to bring a 4-by-6-inch photo of their loved one. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Meals and Memories will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Androscoggin’s Lewiston office. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. While it is free, registration is requested by Nov. 5 at 207-795-9468.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The location and time of the Soup, Chowder and Chili challenge has been corrected from an earlier version.
