Tukwila, WA chili cook-off supports survivors of domestic abuse

Chili cookoff raises funds for Domestic Violence Survivors Network (DAWN)

A Tukwila, Washington chili cookoff is helping raise funds and awareness for the Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

TUKWILA, Wash. - October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and a Tukwila chili cook-off is heating up for a cause. Organizers are raising funds for the Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN). The Washington Multifamily Housing Association event aims to raise awareness while fostering community.

The annual chili cook-off, held the Saturday before Halloween, features participants dressed in costumes, adding a festive flair to the competition. This year, themed booths included a "Beauty and the Beast" setup and a "Wicked" booth offering white chicken chili with cornbread and Fritos.

DAWN annual chili cook-off in Tkkwila, WA supporting domestic violence survivors and organizations

Attendees enjoyed a variety of chili flavors, from peach-infused recipes to coconut chili, each competing for the top spot. The event also featured a "Whoville" booth, where the smell of chili tempted visitors to take a sample.

The cook-off serves as a fundraiser for DAWN, which provides support to survivors of domestic abuse. Funds raised help address needs like security equipment, educational expenses, and car repairs to ensure survivors can maintain employment, according to DAWN.

These resources are sent out to help survivors regain independence and avoid returning to abusive situations. The chili cook-off has already raised thousands of dollars, showing the community's commitment to DAWN's mission.

Whether drawn by the creative costumes or the enticing chili flavors, attendees contributed to a cause that aims to empower survivors. The event addresses gaps not covered by public grants, making a significant impact.

Dig deeper:

For DAWN Executive Director Gina Finley, the community support means far more than just good chili. 

"Every dollar that’s raised goes towards our agency, which is huge. We really appreciate those funds because, you know, with public funding being so tight, and just to know that people are behind us," Finley said.

Founded in 1980, DAWN helps provide shelter, advocacy and support services for survivors of domestic violence throughout South King County. Finley said the need for those services has only increased since the pandemic.

"Obviously, we know that it’s a high rate. Normally, one in two women, one in four men can experience domestic violence sometime in their lifetime," Finley said. "I would say since COVID, numbers have been up and it’s not all reported either. So we want to be that safe place where people can reach out anytime, 24 hours a day, and be listened to, be heard and be assisted and helped."

By the numbers:

Last year’s event raised about $45,000, with previous years reaching as high as $65,000 — a significant boost for a smaller nonprofit like DAWN.

"It’s our largest third-party fundraiser," Finley said. "We actually count on this money. We really appreciate the unrestricted funds."

The funds raised help DAWN meet urgent needs that government grants can’t always cover — from emergency repairs to client assistance.

What they're saying:

"Unrestricted funding is gold because it’s flexible," Finley said. "Sometimes repairs to our shelter come up — a fence blows over — and it’s not in our budget. For clients, a lot of times they need that flexible assistance.

Sometimes the support is as simple as helping a survivor feel safe.

"It can be really small, like, ‘Hey, I need a ring camera to feel safe.’ We can help with that," Finley said. "Or it could be helping people get new tires on their cars so they can get to work. All of those things can be huge barriers, and if we don’t meet those, oftentimes victims will go back to their abuser. This kind of funding allows us to be more nimble and to meet the needs that our public grants do not cover."

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