As the charity of choice to receive proceeds from the 2013 Alabama River Chili Cookoff, the Dallas County Family Resource Center couldn’t be happier.

Donna Long, executive director of the Dallas County Resource Center, said she was ecstatic when she heard the news.

“We are in the midst of our first year and we are still adding programs and looking for ways to supplement what we’re already doing,” Long said. “So the money we receive will go towards the programs we’re already running.”

The Alabama River Chili Cookoff, which was created as a project by Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class 18, will once again be held in historic downtown Selma on Water Avenue. The 2013 event has been scheduled for Thursday, March 14.

Leslie Free, a member of the event’s committee, said the inaugural event, held in March, generated $5,000 for the Salvation Army.

“Part of our mission is to select a different Dallas County charity each year,” Free said. “A few weeks ago, we met and each committee member nominated a Dallas County charity. And, in the event, it was the Dallas County Family Resource Center who received the most votes.”

Long said this couldn’t have come at a better time for the center and she is grateful the festival’s committee members chose the center.

“It’s perfect timing on all counts,” Long said. “Not only will this help us financially, but it will also help us network better with leadership in Selma.”

The organizing committee is continuing to plan the event. Registration fees for those teams wanting to compete is $75. General admission for those attending the night of the cookoff will remain $5.

Free said since last year’s cookoff was such a success, she expects this year’s to be a hit as well.

“When you enter the gate you can go to each team tent and they’ll give you a sample cup,” Free said.

The team from Henry Brick Company won the title of Best Chili in the inaugural event, while the team from Marion Bank and Trust was named the people’s choice winner. The team from International Paper Riverdale Mill was named the most spirited award winners.

For updated information on the event, visit Alabama River Chili Cookoff on Facebook. The organizing committee will make additional announcements — such as registration deadlines and contact information — as those details are finalized.