The aroma of chili powder, onions and garlic will fill the air of the Village Green at the end of September.

An old-fashioned “Chili Cook Off” will be held on Sept. 29 as a fundraiser for the Toys for Tots program, an annual event that was cancelled last year due to lack of funds.

“I was really heartbroken we didn’t have it last year,” said Orcas Farmers’ Market Manager Jennifer Pietsch, who is spearheading the effort with Lions Club member Jim Biddick. Other nonprofits involved in the chili contest are Kiwanis and Orcas Family Connections.

Organizers are currently seeking 10 participants who will whip up a beloved batch of something special. It is $35 to enter; interested cooks can call Biddick at 376-2488 or email him at jimslyed@aol.com.

The recipes will be voted on by fellow islanders, who will pay a $10 entrance fee and receive a 2-ounce sample of each chili variety. There will also be a beer garden with beverages donated by the Lower Tavern.

“The winner gets a small cash prize and knowing you are the king of chili,” Pietsch said. “It’s going to be a great event.”

According to Biddick, pulling out as sponsor of the Toys for Tots event was “one of the hardest decisions” the club has had to make. The charitable event provides toys for families in need at Christmas. In 2010, it distributed toys, games and books to 162 children and teens. The program is supported by community donations.

Come this holiday season, Pietsch and Biddick are hopeful it will be back for another successful run. The chili cook off is expected to bring in $2,500.

“And the main goal is to have these nonprofits work on something together,” Pietsch said.