This year, the Grand Ole Opry House added a little extra heat to its halls—not from the music, but from some seriously delicious chili! Employees came together for the third annual Grand Ole Opry Employee Chili Cook-Off and Fundraiser, blending friendly competition, community spirit, and a big heart for kids fighting cancer.
A Flavorful Day of Fun
The Opry staff brought their A-game to the chili pot, serving up everything from classic savory favorites to bold, spicy surprises. Each booth had its own flair, from a to-scale Opry stage to a life-size cardboard cutout of Dolly Parton, showcasing creativity as much as culinary skill.
ACCO’s Blair Scroggs was a guest “celebrity” judge alongside Dawson, childhood cancer fighter, Haven’s father. Eddie Bayers, Opry Band Member and Country Music Hall of Fame Drummer, served as our final judge.
Judging was fierce, laughter was abundant, and the aroma of chili filled the venue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and giving.
Two Special Guests
Two brave young guests and their families joined ACCO at the Grand Ole Opry. Haven and Waylon stole everyone’s hearts. They both came with smiles, curiosity, and courage and enjoyed every bite and every cheer from the Opry team. Their presence reminded everyone why this event matters: to support children and families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. Moments like seeing their eyes light up over a spoonful of chili made the day truly unforgettable.
About Haven: Haven’s cancer journey began in early March 2025, just a week before her fourth birthday. What should have been a day of birthday plans turned into hospital rooms and a port placement surgery. Diagnosed with B-cell ALL and facing treatment risks heightened by her Down syndrome, Haven spent more than three weeks hospitalized at the start of her journey.
Now six months in, she has completed her first month in remission and is approaching the next phase of treatment. Through every challenge, Haven’s bravery shines – she rarely complains, cries only when scared, and greets each day with courage and a smile. Her family admires her strength, resilience, and playful spirit, from coloring and swinging to swimming and camping adventures. Read her full story here.
About Waylon: Waylon is a 5-year-old, was diagnosed with large cell/anaplastic medulloblastoma and low-grade glioma (Grade 4, Stage M2) on April 24, 2025. His diagnosis came after persistent headaches, vomiting, and balance issues. Since then, Waylon has undergone two brain surgeries, completed 33 of 37 rounds of chemotherapy, and finished radiation treatment.
Through it all, Waylon has shown incredible strength and courage. He keeps fighting every day without giving up, inspiring everyone around him. Beyond his treatments, Waylon’s vibrant personality shines—he loves video games, spending time with family, and sharing his great sense of humor.
The Experience
The Grand Ole Opry staff had a wonderful experience planned for our two very special ambassadors and their families. Upon arrival, families got the star treatment entering through the Grand Ole Opry ‘Artist Entrance.’ From there, they were checked in by staff and brought to the Chili Cook-Off. At the chili cook-off event, two tables were set aside with Haven & Waylon’s name on them along with a bag of gifts from the Opry and the ACCO.
After a meal, the two families were escorted around the Grand Ole Opry House on a private tour where they saw several dressing rooms, stood on stage and got to explore the backstage area like an artist!
To end the night, families enjoyed the show and during the broadcast, the American Childhood Cancer Organization was recognized as the beneficiary of the cook-off. The Opry helped to raise crucial awareness for childhood cancer.
Making a Difference
Thanks to the generosity of the Grand Ole Opry employees and all who participated, the fundraiser raised crucial funds that will directly support ACCO programs and families impacted by childhood cancer. Every bowl, every vote, and every dollar contributed to a cause bigger than any cook-off.
Looking Ahead
We are thrilled to announce that this will now be an annual tradition! And next year, we’re already planning to make it bigger, better, and even more impactful. Whether you’re a chili champion or a supporter cheering from the sidelines, there will be a place for everyone to join the fun and the fight against childhood cancer. More details to come!
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to the Grand Ole Opry team, their amazing employees, Haven, Waylon and their incredible families who reminded us of the true meaning behind every fundraiser. Together, we’re building a community full of flavor, compassion, and hope for brighter futures.
Tennessee Residents: Raise awareness everywhere you drive!
If you live in Tennessee, you can help this campaign by registering for your own childhood cancer awareness license plate. These plates will not go into production unless we reach a thousand registrants before the June 30, 2025 deadline, so every registration helps! Learn more here.
Interested in getting your employer or community involved? We’d love to work with you!
Corporate Partners: By partnering with the American Childhood Cancer Organization, the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated to childhood cancer, your company or organization is taking a stand for the 15,780 children in the United States under the age of 19 who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year.
From donating a percentage of sales to offering your customers an opportunity to give, there are many ways your company can help add to the over half a million families supported by the American Childhood Cancer Organization over the last 50 years. Learn More Here.
Community Members: Our mission is powered by countless people just like you who decided to step up and lend a hand. Whether you’re a highschooler running a gold-themed bake sale or a CEO hosting a pajama party in the board room, we’re happy to have you onboard! pick what type of event you’d like to run. ACCO has two signature events: PJammin® and GO GOLD®.
A PJammin® event is an awareness-raising pajama party, designed to highlight the battle that cancer’s littlest patients face in nothing but their pajamas.
A GO GOLD® event is more flexible, and could be anything from a marathon to a dance party, so long as it features the golden childhood cancer awareness ribbon! Learn More Here.