AUGUSTA -- The seventh annual Chili Chowder Challenge and Auction, which benefits the Children's Center in Augusta, a nonprofit agency aiding special-needs children and their families, is starting early this year.

Supporters can get in now on the bidding, which will be finalized during the cook-off itself from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 22 at the Augusta State Armory, on Western Avenue.

The food competition and the auction both benefit the Children's Center, which is located on Alden Avenue. The agency works primarily with children younger than 5 and provides respite and therapeutic-recreation needs for individuals as old as 20.

The same chili/chowder and auction fundraiser last year raised $20,000, said Jonathan Leach, the center's acting executive director.

The center also receives funds through the state Department of Health and Human Services, and the United Way of Kennebec Valley, the MidMaine United Way and the Maine Children's Trust. The center has a $1.5 million operating budget this year, Leach said.

Some 18 restaurants/chefs are competing in the food challenge.

Newcomers to this year's competition are The China Dine-ah of China, Tubby's Ice Cream of Wayne, Java Joe's, Tim Horton's, Applebee's, of Augusta; Dennis' Pizza of Gardiner, Eloi's Place of Hallowell, Savory Selections (Leah Peachey), Leach said.

Leach said the money is particularly critical this year because of anticipated state budget cuts and changes in Medicaid reimbursement.

The center annually serves about 2,000 children and their families in nine counties reaching from Oxford County in the west to Waldo County in the east.

It also raises funds through an annual mailing.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com