by KARI BLURTON
Hays Post
It’s a chance to enjoy some “great chili and support a great cause,” according to Josh Rounkles, 20, regarding the second annual ‘Eat Chili For Goodness Sake’ fundraiser Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lewis Field Stadium tailgate area in Hays.
The fundraiser is on behalf of Kansas Highway Patrol defensive tactics instructor and KHP trooper, Bill Goodness, Salina, who was diagnosed with cancer in April of last year and continues to fight the disease.
Rounkles is a member of the sponsors of the event, the Fort Hays State University’s Defensive Tactics Club.
“When we heard about it, we decided we wanted to do something in an effort to help his family with medical bills and expenses,” Rounkles said.
Last year the group raised more than $1,500 for the Goodness family – money they presented to Goodness after a defensive tactics class at the Collegiate Law Enforcement Academy at KHP headquarters in Salina.
Rounkles said Goodness was surprised and thankful for the gesture.
“Words can’t really express how it looks when someone gets a little bit of help when they don’t ask for it. It was really a tender moment in what can be a stern place–the KHP building,” Rounkles said.
More than 10 teams are expected to participate in the fundraiser and competition, split into three chili categories: traditional style, spicy and non-traditional.
A minimum donation of $5 is requested to eat the various chili recipes and place a vote for the favorite.
Rounkels’ dad, Hays Police Department Lt. Ron Rounkles, is representing the HPD in the cook-off and will be defending his first place title in the non-traditional category.
Ron said his recipe includes grilled bratwursts and beef, but is keeping quiet on the rest of the ingredients.