The Longstreet Clinic recently held its first United Way Chili Cook-Off to raise money for its 2009 campaign. All physicians and staff were encouraged to submit their chili, as well as their best corn bread and cookie recipes. A total of 27 crock pots of chili were submitted, as well as two tables of various corn breads and cookies. At the end of the day, more than 125 meals were served, raising $648 for the campaign. Judges for the contest were Tracy Whitmire and Carol Reed from Hall County United Way, Cheryl Christian, executive director of Good News Clinics, T. Loren Funk, chief operating officer of The Longstreet Clinic and Marcelo Fuentes, also of The Longstreet Clinic. Top prize went to Roberta Bailey, systems specialist, second place to Lee Ann Jones and third to Deborah Martin, both from Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.More than 15 gallons of leftover chili, plus corn bread, cookies and water, were packed up and donated to Good News Mission, a partner agency of Hall County United Way that feeds more than 150 people daily.

The Hall County Commission recently declared November as National American Indian Heritage month. The Col. William Candler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution raises funds for American Indian scholarships and provides support to American Indian schools - specifically, Bacone in Oregon and Chemawa in Oklahoma.

The American Business Women's Association recently held a benefit for Jackie Royal and her husband, Lambert Royal. Both have been diagnosed with cancer, and the benefit raised more than $1,300 for the Royal family. The fundraiser was held at Harbor Lights with a special appearance from Elvis, played by Mike Jones.

Gainesville Center Weight Watchers members have lost more than 1,350 pounds for the Lose for Good charity campaign and collected 154 pounds of food donations to benefit those in need in the community.