October and Fall is in the air! The beltway illuminates a ray of autumn colors and the season starts to simmer homey recipes that mark it as ‘National Chili Month’.

VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) Finalists presented their hit chili recipes and the lids of the food warmers and crock pots were off! Bowls of Smoky-Venison, hot and spicy sizzlin’ Texas style, Vegetarian, Bayou-Cajun Shrimp, and other secret, famous renditions, set the table for a terrific gathering for raising funds for United Way Agencies.

KEYS For the Homeless was invited to attend the 2009 Virginia Department of Transportation Charity Chili Cook Off. Through their partnership with the United Way of the National Capital Area and the Commonwealth Virginia Campaign, VDOT employees have a established a long record of compassionate giving to organizations committed to ending homelessness in the Metro Area.

Every day, VDOT, literally, paves the way for KEYS logistics and operations as our network of partners extend throughout the Beltway. We were pleased to have the opportunity to share our mission and work while enjoying the homemade chili dishes prepared by the competition’s eight finalists.

A special thank you to Shelley Neal of VDOT for the invitation to attend this wonderful event. The department’s partnership with the United Way NCA and the CVC continues to create great opportunities for KEYS and Virginia’s non-profit community.