PORT NECHES — The Neches River Wheelhouse has been the site for a number of fundraisers for people in need and this year the very organization that works to aid others is on the receiving end.

The Fourth Annual Neches River Wheelhouse Chili Cook-off, set for Saturday, will benefit the Southeast Texas Circle of Hope, a 501C3 non-profit charitable organization whose mission it is to assist those in need of help with funds for catastrophic event, medical and/or funeral needs.

Cooking teams will began their task of creating the best chili at 8 a.m. and patrons can come out and for $5 buy a cup for tasting of the entries. They can then vote on People’s Choice. In addition, judges will be on hand to award first, second and third place awards to the teams competing. All of the team entry fees will go towards Circle of Hope.

“They’ve held a number of fundraisers for people at the Wheelhouse and I’ve never been more impressed with the group as far as how they are organized and how much they care and the work they put into helping others with 100 percent of their proceeds going to help others,” co-owner Lance Bradley said.

Emmett Hollier, leader of the group, said it means a lot to Circle of Hope for their organization to be on the receiving end.

“It’s a very big deal for the organization as well as the volunteers to be recognized by another company wanting to help. They are echoing the great effort of Circle of Hope and helping us on the journey,” Hollier said.

Southeast Texas Circle of Hope has a board of directors with five members and about 30 core volunteers who show up and donate their time, time after time, throughout the year.

An annual Pardi Gras event is held early in the year where proceeds go towards operating expenses such as insurance and trailer license plates. All other funds collected go towards those in need. Since its inception they have helped approximately 65 families and fundraised about $850,000.

“The community is great,” he said. “Without the business of the community and the people of the community, Circle of Hope would not be able to do anything. It takes a joint effort and the community to help people in need.”

Besides large scale benefits, Circle of Hope also helps with other needed expenses such as a special tricycle for a disabled child, he added.

Neches River Wheelhouse is located at 720 Lee Ave., Port Neches.