Bethel Tabernacle loads up for fundraisers this month

The congregation at Bethel Tabernacle Church of God in Clarksville is looking to get involved with the community this month, with some highly anticipated fundraisers.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, Bill Kenton, a member of the congregation and avid hunter, will host the 3rd Annual Turkey Shoot, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with plenty of prizes and giveaways for participants.

“I’ve always enjoyed going out and hunting,” said Kenton, “and a lot of others in the church hunt, as well. Three years ago, we thought a turkey hunt would be something fun to do in the offseason that could benefit the church. In the first few years, we’ve had a great turnout, and it has really been a huge community event.”

Members of the church’s fundraising committee were asked to solicit support from local businesses and restaurants for prizes this year.

“We asked for donations to be added this year,” Kenton noted, “because the more prizes you have and the bigger the selection, the more people are going to come out for the shoot.”

The Turkey Shoot is scheduled for roughly a dozen rounds for a couple dollars each, with different prizes awarded in each round, and will also host several bonus rounds, with $5 to $10 entry fees warranting larger prizes. With the fundraiser’s proximity to Valentine’s Day, Kenton noted that the ladies are more than welcome to join the fun, too.

“We’ve got some incredible prizes,” he said. “Restaurants have donated a nice dinner for two, and we’ve even had some florists come on board.”

In some parts of the state, turkey season is just as popular as deer season, and while turkey shoots are nothing new in Delaware, Kenton asserted that Bethel Tabernacle’s fundraiser is something you can’t find anywhere.

“There are a lot of turkey shoots around the region,” he said, “but with a lot of them, the most you will win is a turkey. In ours, you can win a turkey and a bouquet of flowers, or a weekend stay in Rehoboth Beach, or a nice dinner. We’ve got really nice prizes for our winners.”

The Bethel Tabernacle Turkey Shoot will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, on Bill Kenton’s property, located at 30568 Omar Road, east of Frankford. The Turkey Shoot will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and participants can enjoy breakfast, lunch, refreshments and coffee. For more information about registration or additional details, call Kenton at (302) 841-4361.

Later this month, Bethel Tabernacle Church of God will be spicing things up, with their First Annual Chili Cookoff.

“We already have a number of entrants who want to compete,” said Claudia Seifert, who helps run the church’s fundraising committee. “We’re really looking for all of the community to get involved.”

Those wishing to participate are required to pay a $10 entry fee. Chili should be brought ready to serve, in a slow-cooker or similar container. Those wishing to stop by and judge the culinary creations for themselves can do so by paying $1 at the door. Snacks, drinks and desserts will also be available.

Contestants will put their recipes on the line, and three prizes will be awarded – one for the judges’ choice, which will be determined by a panel of judges; the people’s choice, voted on by those stopping by and tasting the chilis; and one for presentation.

“Someone suggested the idea of a chili cook-off fundraiser last year,” noted Seifert, “and we decided to give it a whirl this year. It should be a lot of fun, and we hope that it will turn into a local tradition. Each year, contestants will be competing for bragging rights and the winner’s apron.”

The Bethel Tabernacle Church of God First Annual Chili Cookoff will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. at the church, located at 34180 Omar Road in Frankford. For more information, including inquiries about entering the competition, call Claudia Seifert at (443) 821-4389.

(Editor’s note: Point reporter Ryan Saxton – who earned first place in the professional category of Indian River High School’s 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off for the official Coastal Point chili entry – will be among the judges in the judges’ choice contest at the Bethel Tabernacle chili cook-off on Feb. 25.)