16th Annual Great Balls of Fire Fundraiser Warms Oregon Families

Portland, January 29th. “Hot, hot” were the words most frequently uttered at the kickoff the month-long Great Balls of Fire fundraiser at Salvador Molly’s Restaurant. The benefit for Oregon HEAT started with costumed participants consuming as many ultra-spicy habanero cheese fritters as possible. David Weiss from Forest Grove won the “Toughest Tongue in Town” contest by eating 15 fritters.

Salvador Molly’s Owner; Darrielle Sadle and Winner of the Toughest Tongue Contest: David Weiss

In 2011, the neighborhood restaurant served nearly 3,000 Great Balls of Fire during the month of February and raised over $2,500 to aid low-income Oregonians in need of heat through Oregon HEAT.

People who can eat five of the ultra-spicy habanero cheese fritters end up on the Hall of Flame

The month-long fundraiser culminates Saturday, March 3 with the King of Heat Final Contest. Contestants receive an “I’m Flamous” t-shirt and winner gets dinner for 10, the “King of Heat” plaque in the Hall of Flame, and bragging rights.

The Great Balls of Fire fundraiser at Salvador Molly’s also include movie nights. Here’s information about that:
Movie Mondays –

2/13 – Fire Starter and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

2/20 – Courage Under Fire and Trial by Fire

2/27 – The 13th Warrior and Man on Fire

Movies are shown at: 4:00 and 6:00.

The festivities continue through March 3rd.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.