Annual JA Chili and Cheese Community Celebration now taking orders

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – It’s time to place orders for the annual Junior Achievement Chili and Cheese Community Celebration for Western Kentucky University’s “Once Upon a Hill” Homecoming 2025 week.

The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during WKU’s Community Day at Montana Grille.

The event, presented by English Lucas Priest and Owsley, and sponsored by Junior Achievement, Houchens Food Group, Montana Grille and the WKU Alumni Association, continues a tradition of good food, great fun and a celebration of community.

According to a release by Junior Achievement, the luncheon will continue to offer takeout and a limited seating capacity in-person dine-in experience. Organizers recommend ordering tickets early before they sell out.

WKU and Junior Achievement will provide a brief, in-person community celebration program.

This will begin at noon at Montana Grille. All proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky and help provide programs educating local K-12 students on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.

“We are excited to return as the title sponsor for the annual Chili and Cheese Luncheon, a beloved homecoming tradition,” said Jessica Shoulders, attorney with ELPO Law and JA board member. “This annual event not only embodies community, education, and school spirit, but it is also the perfect occasion to raise awareness for all that Junior Achievement accomplishes in our community while showing our support for the Hilltoppers!”

Tickets are $8 and meals include a cup of chili, a grilled cheese sandwich, a water and a dessert.

To pre-purchase a ticket online, visit jaforkids.com.

Online orders will be accepted until the deadline of Friday, Oct. 24 or when they sell out, whichever takes place first.

If walk-up orders are able to be accepted on the day of the event, tickets will be $10 at the door.

“Homecoming has always been about coming together – alumni, students, and our Bowling Green community,” said Audrey Hood, assistant director of alumni engagement. “We’re excited to kick off the best weekend on the Hill with Junior Achievement on Wednesday, October 29th by celebrating the partnerships and people who make WKU feel like home. Junior Achievement’s Chili and Cheese Community Luncheon is the perfect way to start the weekend festivities – good food, great company, and a shared commitment to giving back!”