FNN Article © February 16, 2026.
WELLSBORO, PA – Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries announced the winners of their successful Chili & Chowder with a Chance for Chocolate contest that was held during the Ice & Spice Winter Weekend in Wellsboro on Saturday, February 14th. It can be said with certainty that it was well loved as this was the first year they sold out over 400 tasting passports.
Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries sent out a huge thank you to everyone who participated and to those who came out and purchased a passport. More than $4,000 was raised and it will go to help local animals in need. The organization is so incredibly grateful to have a sold out event.
The top chili/chowders are as follows;
- 1st place – The Main Street Creamery with Creamery Chowder by Zac Tomb.
- 2nd place – Los Agaves Taqueria with Los Agaves Chili.
- 3rd place – The Roost with Cider House Chowder.
- 4th place was an amazing 3-way tie! – Penn Oak Realty with Avery-Thing Chili by Joe Avery, Oregon Hill Winery with Lovebirds Wine And Dine Chili by Zack Luczak, and Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods with Nessmuk’s Camp Cauldron Chowder.
Congratulations, to all the winners. These fantastic winning sites/chefs will be recognized with some fun goodies, and all the participating sites will receive a bottle of locally made maple syrup, courtesy of Visit Potter-Tioga. Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries also has a new tradition – each year from here on, the first place site will have its name placed on the Clint Perry “You Set My Heart Afire” cauldron. It’s named in memory of a special local animal lover and Second Chance supporter.
Please note, if you won a chocolate gift basket, you will be getting a call from the coordinating site if you have not already.
Special thanks going out to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce for allowing Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries to do their fundraiser in conjunction with the Winter Weekend and for selling early passports. Thanks also to Penn Oak Realty for being the ticket sales home base for the event day. Also thanks to all 20 of the amazing tasting sites and their chili/chowder chefs: Beck’s Bistro, Dee and Eleanor’s Little Shop Around the Corner, From My Shelf Books, Gmeiner Arts & Cultural Center, Harland’s Restaurant, Hillstone Farms, Komodo Gelato, Los Agaves Taqueria, Main Street Creamery, Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods, Oregon Hill Wineries, Past & Present Stories Vintage Shop, Penn Oak Realty, Pop’s Culture Shoppe, Senior’s Creations, The Roost, Timeless Destination, The Wellsboro Diner, Wellsboro Glass Historical Association, and Wild Asaph Outfitters.
Last but certainly not least, thank you to all the awesome volunteers who assisted with the event. Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries could not have done this without each and every one of you!!
