Cypress Creek Assisted Living in Ruskin is opening its doors for a free chili cook-off that doubles as a fundraiser for a local dog rescue.

The annual event runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at 970 Cypress Village Blvd. Attendees get a poker chip at the door to vote for their favorite among eight to 10 homemade chili samples. The cook with the most votes wins the People's Choice title.

Every vote sends $2 to a dog rescue

For every vote cast, Cypress Creek staff will donate $2 to Southern States Bully Rescue, a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates in Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. The facility has guaranteed a minimum donation of $300, according to the Observer News.

The connection is personal. All three of Cypress Creek's ambassador dogs, Bleu, Abby and Theo, were rescued through Southern States Bully Rescue. Kate Johnston, Cypress Creek's administrator, said visitors often look for the dogs first when they walk through the doors.

"Our heart is pulled to SSBR because many of their dogs come from abuse and neglect situations," Johnston said.

Jim Biggins, whose family owns the assisted living facility, said the cook-off is a chance to give back through laughs, good food and companionship. Cypress Creek, which opened in 1999, hosts two community open-house events each year, and the cook-off is one of them, Biggins said.

Three local judges will crown a second winner

A three-judge panel will also pick a Judges' Choice winner. The judges are Jeff Merry, a master deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office; Bonnie Peacock, executive director of the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce; and Sarah Baez, a certified senior adviser and senior placement specialist with CarePatrol of Bradenton and SouthShore. Both winners take home a bouquet of Florida Lottery tickets.

How to enter, taste or tour

Facility tours will be available during the event. Anyone who wants to enter their own chili need only bring a slow cooker of their recipe and be there to serve it. Tasting cups, napkins and utensils are provided.

To RSVP as a taster or enter as a cook, email [email protected] or call 813-633-7777.

Upcoming community events

• Oct. 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Cypress Creek Assisted Living chili cook-off, 970 Cypress Village Blvd., Ruskin. Free admission. RSVP: [email protected] or 813-633-7777.