The Party Sober Partnership's First Event

It was a cold, rainy day in February when the Party Sober Partnership hosted its first event for the recovery community in Houston, the Sober Chili Cookoff and Cornbread Contest. Despite the weather, over 300 people attended this fun, free event. We had 23 chili teams and 25 cornbread cooks show up to compete for cash prizes. The entries were judged by Sen. John Whitmire, Representative Ann Johnson, Former Houston Ballet principal Lauren Anderson and Former Mrs United Nations Peta-gay Ledbetter

The success of this event was due to the efforts of all the partners in the Party Sober Partnership. Mercy Street arranged a perfect location for the cookoff: Fair Haven United Methodist Church off Gessner. Justice Forward rented a large generator to supply the teams with electricity. The Council on Recovery sponsored delicious cupcakes provided by Angelic Confections. Our friends from H.E.B. provided drinks and hot dogs with all the fixings, and Treebeard’s donated a huge pot of chili so we wouldn’t run out. In addition to the food, Stan Washington from Open Door Ministries served as DJ and kept the energy high outside for the contestants. Inside, tables were set up for people to warm up, enjoy the chili and play board games provided by the Houston Recovery Center. There were also two great musicians playing for the diners who were provided by The Phoenix.

Thanks to the Sober Recreation Committee, there were plenty of volunteers on hand to help set up tents and tables and clean up afterwards. All Party Sober Partnership members sported shirts designed by Sarah Maybry from Angela House, and her cheerful banner greeted everyone as they arrived. Registration was effectively run by folks from the Houston Recovery Initiative, The Phoenix and Santa Maria Hostel. 

And the winners were…

Best Overall Chili: STAR Court-Monday docket

Best Texas Red: (TIE) A Taste of Recovery 2 and the Sober Sisters

Best Chili with Beans: STAR Court Alumni

Best Cornbread: Calita Payne 

The next Party Sober Partnership event will be May 7^th at the Council on Recovery. Join us for a free Movie Night at 6 p.m.!