Thousands Come Out for Chili 'n Wheels

Rohnert Park's 3rd annual Chili 'n Wheels fundraiser drew more than 4,000 people Saturday  — some came for the to taste chili cooked up by 30 local businesses, some came for the classic cars and some just came for the community spirit.

The goal of the day was to raise money for the Rohnert Park-based nonprofit Fence at the Top, a mentoring and tuturing program for at-risk youths run my former NFL player Honor Jackson.

"I've always wanted to work with youth, ever since I went to school," Jackson said. "We work with kids in after-school programs and summer camps."

The event is also aimed at giving exposure and building networks within the business community here, to help make it stronger. Fifty-five area businesses bought booths and more than 40 people brought out their classic cars.

In addition to Fence at the Top, people also donated $6,000 to the Rancho Cotate High School marching band to purchase new uniforms, which are more than 30 years old.

The following companies organized or donated to the event: Fence at the Top, Big 4 Party, Costco, Comcast, AM Printing & Graphics, Innovative Screen Printing, Fat Dogg productions, Innovative Promotional, State Farm Insurance, Karen Pierce Gonzalez Public Relations, Reyff Electric, Del Secco's Gelato 'N Sweets, Napa Smith Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Crown Trophy Petaluma, the University of Sports, Stumptown Brewery, Sonoma State Seawolves Athletics, Wine Country Cosmo Jump and RPM Automotive Services.