The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce reports the annual “Elect a Scrooge” contest wrapped up last week, with Janet Cappel taking the title as the 2011 Scrooge, as well as the honor of Grand Marshall in the Chamber Lighted Christmas Parade Saturday night.

Scrooge candidates (from L-R: Peerbolte, Fredrickson, Nelson & Siggins)

Scrooge organizer Eleanor Hoover says “Janet did a great job,” but that all the candidates were winners in her book.” The other nominees included Nancy Fredrickson of Geis Perry Jewelry, Brad Peerbolte of Peerbolte Chiropractic, Aaron Siggins of Hy-Vee, and Karen Smith of Handbag Ranch.

Each nominee had one month to raise funds and non-perishable food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry. The total collaborative effort brought in 15,845 points. One point is equivalent to a single item or $1 in cash donations ($15,845). Food Pantry organizers said they have seen an increase in traffic in the past several months, and the donations help them provide for the community for the entire year.

Chamber Director Megan Roberts said “The contest stirs up a little friendly competition, and each candidate adds their own flavor to help them raise items and funds.”  Roberts said “This year Cappel’s Ace Hardware gave away a lighted Christmas tree to encourage donations.”

Hoover is already starting a list of candidates for the 2012 Scrooge race. Suggestions are welcome by calling the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712.243.3017 or emailing Chamber@AtlanticIowa.com.