About Chilly at the Lodge
Proceeds from Chilly at the Lodge go
directly to our capital campaign for
repair and restoration projects.
Historic Josey Scout Lodge, built in 1934, needs periodic repair and TLC; it's a nearly-90-year-old log cabin that's used almost every day by preteens and teens. Because it's a designated Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we're very careful to maintain the building in as close to original condition as possible. That isn't cheap.
Chilly at the Lodge was born because we wanted to find a way to pay to replace some rotten logs, rebuild the windows, paint the exteriors, and take care of some routine roof maintenance without having to dip into any of Mr. Josey's endowment funds. One of our trustees wondered if a chili cook-off might be the way to go.
Our Board Chairman called Don & Karen Cullum, long-time friends who enjoy chili cook-offs. The conversation was roughly two sentences long and went something like this.
"Hi Don. We're thinking about hosting a chili cook-off."
"We're in!!!"
The Cullums and their family members Kevin & Donna Foley have been indispensable ever since.
Our Logo
Our logo was created by Robert Rush. At the time, he was an Eagle Scout and member of Scouts BSA Troop 114 with a talent for art and the heart to serve; we asked him for a design that would convey making chili in chilly weather and have just a hint of Scouting. The only change we made to his design was to add the charring at the bottom of the chili pot; if you look closely it's actually his signature.
Chilly Charlie
We held a contest at the 2023 Chilly at the Lodge to name the polar bear from our logo, and Chilly Charlie was born! He's become a fun mascot and makes appearances during promotional activities, and of course, at Chilly at the Lodge.