Teams preparing for cooking event

FLORENCE - More than a dozen teams will be Cooking for Justice on Thursday to help law enforcement in their fight against crime.

"It's the most teams we've ever had," said Jody St. John, president of the Shoals Area CrimeStoppers board of directors.

"Everything seems to be falling into place for us to have the biggest event yet," added Joann Maxwell, a member of the board of directors and program coordinator for the Shoals Chamber of Commerce.

St. John said 14 teams have registered to participate in the event. They'll cook everything from speciality soups and chili to ribs and sandwiches to desserts. Maxwell said teams range from politicians to law enforcement departments to businesses and schools.

"We've got a wide range of teams, and we're expecting a wide variety of items," she said.

The teams can either submit an entree or dessert. Some may bring both. This is the third year for the event, which is the major fundraiser for CrimeStoppers.

"The teams really have a lot of fun with the event," St. John said.

Proceeds provide reward money for tips called in to the CrimeStoppers hotline and lead to solved crimes.

This year, The Authority, a band made up of members of the Florence Police Department, will provide musical entertainment.

"It's a fun time for those who participate and those who come to sample the food," Maxwell said.

For details, call 764-4661.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.