Panorama High School has a fundraising event coming up later this month that local residents might be interested in attending, especially if you’re a big chili fan.

Thursday, November 21st marks the wrestling team’s 5th Annual Chili and Soup Takedown, but cooks must enter their chili or soup recipe by November 17th.  The school hopes to receive between 15 and 20 chili entrants for this year’s contest.

Wrestling coach Jason Kirtley says the event has progressively grown in popularity every year, and he estimates that over 250 people showed up for last year’s all-you-can-eat fundraiser.

Kirtley says the event is more than just about raising funds for his program though, he also sees it as a way to link his team with the rest of the community.

“I think if they sit and they talk to them and get to know the kids, they’re more apt to come watch them.  (My kids) they get a benefit from all the hard work they put in to have bigger crowds… they more people we get to know, the more people we get at the events, the more gratifying it is for them.  You know the money is nice, but more than anything just to get more support for these kids is really what it’s about to me anyway.”

The cost for participating in the all-you-can-eat “take down” is $5 if you buy tickets in advance or $7 at the door.

Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will go toward the purchase of a takedown machine and  climbing and battling ropes for this year’s wrestlers.