There is no cost for chili cooks to enter the competition. Those wishing to taste all the chili dishes will pay $5; all proceeds will go to Idaho Make-A-Wish in January 2020 when Griffin participates in the annual Polar Bear Plunge culminating fundraising event for Idaho Make-A-Wish.

Silent auction donations are still being accepted as well. To enter the contest or donate an auction item, contact Griffin at 208-761-2873. So far about seven people have entered the chili contest.

“I’d like to raise over $1,000 for Make-A-Wish,” Griffin said. “We need a good turnout (of) people to show up and eat.”

Griffin helps coordinate several fundraisers every year for Idaho Make-A-Wish through other local businesses like Big Mic’s and the Longhorn Lounge. Last year Griffin and participants raised about $12,600 dollars. This is his first year doing a chili feed.

This year is Latte’ Da’s first year helping Griffin host a fundraising event, but this is not the coffee shop’s first time hosting a chili feed and competition. Last year about 50 people attended and raised about $250 for Kuna Adopt-A-Family, a nonprofit that collects needed items for local families at Christmas.

Sheri Creel, owner of Latte’ Da, hopes to make a bit more at Saturday’s event. If there is rain, she said, the event will be held inside rather than out in the drive-thru. The plan is to award first, second and third prizes to the top three chili cooks. Participants can vote for their favorite dish with raffle tickets. First prize is a $50 gift certificate to Latte’ Da, second is a $20-$25 gift card to Big Mic’s and third is a small crock pot.

Items for auction collected so far include a Dutch oven donated by Ridley’s, gift certificates and Easter baskets. This will be a family-friendly event. Latte' Da plans to donate a percentage of all sales to Idaho Make-A-Wish.

“We’re excited to be part of it,” Creel said. “We’re excited to help the community and be part of the community.”