Robeson County Sheriff’s Office wins ‘People’s Choice Award’ at Rumba Chili Cookoff, RCC Foundation raises $3750
Last weekend, community members and visitors had a chance to taste unlimited samples of chili from various teams during the Rumba on the Lumber Chilli Cookoff, which was sponsored by the RCC Foundation.
“Thank you to everyone that participated in the chili cookoff,” stated Renee Collins, the Vice President of the RCC Foundation. “The event raised $3750, to go towards academic scholarships and emergency assistance for students at Robeson Community College. It was a beautiful day, and everyone had a great time.”
Recipes varied from using really hot peppers to some teams adding unique ingredients to their chili, like crickets and anchovies to spice up their dish.
The event featured 19 teams battling it out to become the winner of the competition, three of which represented Robeson Community College – RCC EMS ‘Chili Healers,’ RCC Culinary ‘Cheer Spice,’ and the RCC Culinary Students ‘Chili Steppers.’
But at the end of the day, only one team could be declared the “People’s Choice” and this year that honor went to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Sheriff’s Office is always excited to participate in the yearly Chili Cookoff. To add to the excitement is knowing my team won the 2025 People’s Choice Award, which is voted on by the public,” stated Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. “Helping the RCC Foundation is a win-win in itself, as we look forward to participating in next year’s event.”
Other winners from the contest were:
- Hottest Chili: Lumbee Guaranty Bank – Team Gringotts
- Most Unique Ingredient: Anchovies – Robeson County Sheriff’s Office
- Judge’s Choice: Chili Crushers- Lumberton Housing Authority
- Best Theme Decorated Booth: Pearls of the Blue Oyster Cult- Robeson County Partnership For Children
“We congratulate the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office on winning the 2025 People’s Choice Award,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “We thank everyone for their participation in this year’s Chili Cookoff and for rallying their support around Robeson Community College.”
“We are so appreciative to have raised $3750 for student success,” Singler added. “We look forward to continuing this tradition in the future, and we hope to have an even bigger competition next year.”
Photos of the teams participating in the Rumba on the Lumber Chili Cookoff Event.
