Hand in Hand will host its largest fundraiser of the year, a family-friendly chili cook-off, on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.
The annual event, will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Fair Center and feature at least 15 chili teams competing for top honors. Guests are invited to sample a variety of chili recipes, vote for their favorites and enjoy activities for all ages.
In addition to chili tasting, the event will include a silent auction, raffles and children’s activities. A limited number of take-home sensory kits will be available for children and include a stress ball, fidget toy, earplugs, crayons and coloring sheets. The afternoon will conclude with chili awards recognizing the top teams.
Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off benefit Hand in Hand programs that are accessible to all, including child care, school-age programs, evening and weekend recreation and respite services, summer camp, and the organization’s Teens with Purpose and People with Purpose programs.
Tickets are $10 for adults when purchased online through Jan. 1, $15 for adults at the door, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children younger than 5.
Raffle tickets are $5 each, with prizes including a $400 Fareway gift card, $100 gift cards to Target, Monarch, a local spa and for gas, as well as an electric snow shovel, total car detailing, AirPods, a Blackstone grill, a kids battery-operated tractor, a Stanley cooler package, a 65-inch television, a tree with installation and a Dyson vacuum.
The event offers a chance to enjoy a winter tradition while supporting individuals of all abilities and their families across the Quad Cities.
Tickets and volunteer sign-ups are available now.
For more information, visit Hands in Hand.
