Three digits everyone should remember are 988.
That’s the Suicide Prevention Hotline.
That was the message of the fifth annual Chili Cook-off fundraiser at Polk Township Fire Company for Austin’s Blue Line, which raises funds for suicide awareness and scholarships in memory of Austin Scarpone of Gilbert.
Austin, who had hoped to be a state trooper, took his own life in 2021 at age 22.
His mother, Sharon Gerhart, began the suicide prevention organization in his memory.
A portion of the funds raised go toward scholarships for those who want to be state troopers, police officers, or first responders.
Gerhart said, “I want to bring to light suicide awareness. Nobody talks about it. I have three other children and work with the youth group at church. Remember God doesn’t make mistakes, you have a purpose in this world and it’s OK if you don’t know today what it is.”
“Suicide is permanent, just ask my family.” shared John Audett, who lost two siblings to suicide.
Audett donated $20 to be given to the first person who could state the suicide prevention hotline number.
As for the chili, almost a dozen contestants entered the chili contest with the crowd voting on the best chili.
The winner was given an apron reading “Chili Cookoff Winner,” a wooden spoon etched with 1st, 2nd or 3rd place, a red chili pepper trophy and most importantly, bragging rights.
Local businesses, including ESSA Bank and Kinsley’s ShopRite donated prizes for the basket raffle. Effort United Methodist Church, Willow Creek Property Serves and Crystal’s Mexican Restaurant also supported the fundraising efforts. Six scholarships have been awarded so far.
Kidder Township Police Officer Michael Nikityuk received a scholarship in 2023.
Nikityuk said, “I always wanted to be helping others. I thought police officers are cool and superheroes.”
Ken Edwards of Brodheadsville, with a Ratatouille stuffed animal attached to his shoulder, served chili “with only two seasonings — salt and cumin.”
Fourteen-year-old Claire Roberti of Saylorsburg helped serve her mom’s chili that was “sweet and a little spicy.”
Melissa Roberti, Claire’s mother, said, “I’m here to support Sharon. I don’t care if we’re number one.”
Melinda Knitter made pies and cakes to sell, including peach upside-down cake and wet bottom shoo-fly pie. A 50/50 raffle also was held.
The Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition receives some funding from this event.
They provide training for school, law-enforcement and correctional personnel, as well as parent and student education. A Signs of Suicide course is offered in addition to other services for families. To contact the coalition, call 570-992-0879. For further information or to support this cause, go to Austinsblueline.org.
Ratatouille sitting on the shoulder of Ken Edwards, who served his chili with only two seasonings — salt and cumin, are at the Chili Cook-off held by Austin’s Blue Line at Polk Township Fire Company. LORI R. COOPER/TIMES NEWS
Above: Deborah Audett serves chili with the “secret” ingredient of honey to Kathy Gerhart, grandmother of Austin Scarpone, who took his own life, at a fundraiser at Polk Towship fire hall held in his memory.
Sharon Gerhart with Chili Cook-off winners, Melissa Roberti, first place; Ken Edwards, second place; Bethany Knitter, third place; and Josh Gerhart. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Right: Lizzy Albright of Pocono Lake and Belle Scarpone of Effort try chili at the Chili Cook-off in memory of Scarpone’s brother, Austin, who took his own life at the age of 22. LORI R. COOPER/TIMES NEWS
