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OTTUMWA,IOWA -- Many Ottumwans filled up their appetites for a good cause.

The Ottumwa Community Outreach Ministry held its first Soup and Chili Cook-off competition Saturday. Several people made their best dishes and served them to a crowd of over 100 people.

Canisters were placed in front of each vendor for donations. The top three winners won prizes. Several volunteers including students from Ottumwa High School helped coordinate the event.

The Outreach Ministry serves as a shelter for homeless men in the area. Director Yvonne Baldwin-Greene says the support is valuable for the shelters future.

"It costs about $11,000 a month to run the shelter and the soup kitchen portion of the operation. For them to come out and show their support means that we're open for a few more months. Right now we have 13 guys staying upstairs. It gives them a place to lay their head at night."

Admission was $5 and proceeds went to the shelter. Baldwin-Greene hopes to have another Cook-off in August.

For upcoming events, visit www.ottumwaoutreach.org.