At Pawn Plus, community engagement isn’t just a checkbox for us – it’s a heartfelt pinpoint woven into who we are as a business. When Rumba on the Lumber, Lumberton’s much-loved annual event rolled around, we knew we had to be front and center. This year, we decided to spice things up by participating in the chili cook-off. Little did we know, this decision would lead us on a journey of connection and enjoyment that went far beyond the kitchen.
Rumba on the Lumber isn’t merely a festival; it’s a celebration of our community’s vibrant spirit, bringing together folks from all corners for a day of music, arts, and of course, mouthwatering food. As a locally-owned small business, Pawn Plus felt a deep sense of pride being a part of this cherished tradition.
Our team, spearheaded by our amazing General Manager, Dan Reynertson, poured their hearts into crafting the perfect chili recipe, infusing it with spice, flavor and warmth. With each simmer and stir, we aimed to create a dish that not only satisfied taste buds but also served as a testament to the hard work we put into serving our community daily.
As the cook-off commenced, we awaited the judges’ verdict with bated breath. Yet, win or lose, we knew the true prize lay in the connections we’d make. And boy, were we in for a treat. Although the community voting got off to a stall with only a few folks there to begin with, we still had hopes for what was to come!
While we may not have clinched the top spot, the response to our chili warmed our hearts more than any trophy could. Community members from all walks of life flocked to our booth, savoring spoonfuls of our creation and sharing in the joy of good food and good company.
One attendee summed up the sentiment perfectly: “Pawn Plus’s chili may not have won the contest, but it won my taste buds! You can’t beat that flavor!”
But perhaps the most memorable moment of the day came from our very own general manager, who was thrilled by one particular interaction. Dan shared a story of a fellow from the community that was so enthralled with our chili he offered to pay us to take the rest home! As we live to serve, Dan happily gathered a few bowls for the gentleman and told him to keep his money. It became pretty clear then that Rumba on the Lumber for us wasn’t just about the chili or possibly winning a cool trophy for the store– it was about making connections with those in our community that transcended business.
All said and done, the Pawn Plus crew happily gave out not only 300+ cups of chili, we also handed out over 300 discount code cards to match! Just another simple way to say thank you to all the beautiful individuals who came out and showed us their support.
Participating in events like Rumba on the Lumber reaffirms our belief in the power of community engagement. It’s not just about promoting our brand; it’s about fostering relationships, sparking conversations, and celebrating the unique tapestry of the beautiful town we call home.
Until next year’s festivities, you can always count on Pawn Plus to continue serving our community with dedication, passion, and a dash of spcy charm!
- Until next time, The Pawn Plus Crew 🌶️