The Jemison High School FFA Alumni hopes that its latest fundraising endeavor leaves a good taste in people’s mouths — literally.

The alumni group will be hosting its first Chili Dinner and Cookoff on Jan. 31 at Jemison City Hall in attempt to raise money for the school’s FFA chapter.

Tickets cost $7, and provide all-you-can-eat chili and crackers.

“We’ve set up a non-profit to help with scholarships and to help with trips for competitions,” said Rachel Sosa, Alumni member and event contact.

Sosa said the idea for the event came after consulting with other FFA Alumni groups about fundraising ideas.

“We talked with a few (groups), and they did camp stew,” she said. “We thought we may do something a little different, so we’ll try chili and see what happens.”

The event, which will kick off at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m., will feature the chili cookoff, a silent auction and will also have several different types of chili available for dinner, Sosa said.

Items available in the silent suction include a compact drill set, toys and a gift card from Tractor Supply Company, as well as lamps donated from Barry’s Furniture and a $100 horn mounting from David’s Taxidermy, among other items.

Sosa said the event will serve as the first fundraiser of the year for the group, and that the money from the event will go towards a scholarship fund goal of $1,000.

“Our goal is to give out at least four scholarships,” she said.

Sosa also said that there were six entries for the chili cookoff, with registration being open until 4:30 p.m. the day of the event.

Sosa said all entries were required to ID their dish and provide an ingredient list.

“Right now, all recipes are beef,” she said. “We ask they name it when they submit it, with a recipe.”

The silent auction will conclude at the end of the event, and one must be present to win both the cookoff and an auction item.

Sosa said the group hoped the cookoff was the first of many.

“We want this to be an annual event,” she said. “We’re shooting for 300 in attendance. We’re hoping for a good turnout.”