CORNELIUS – Thirteen people have signed up to compete for the title of Biggest Cheese in Town 2011 – and raise money for Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. The competition is open to others, however.

Each competitor has agreed to raise at least $1,000 for the Habitat chapter that serves Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville. The individual raising the most money will be crowned at the Cheese Ball on Oct. 21.

So far, members of the Rat Pack are: Cheri Thebeau, Thebeau & Associates and last year’s winner; Eric Weymss, Farm Bureau Insurance; Mary MacDonald, Peoples Bank, Cornelius; Dr. Don Tampoya, Southlake Family & Cosmetic Dentistry; Julia Austin, Fifi’s Fine Resale; Jennie Shinkaruk, Salon Metaxa; Dr. John Ballas, Ballas Chiropratic & Whole Health Center; Jack Hart, Global Village and Guatemala and ReStore volunteer; Katie Dixon, Kadi Fit; Jean Aswell, Mary Kay Cosmetics; Gerald Worrell, CLTC Northwestern Mutual; Mike Keller, Tenders Fresh Foods; Wylie Cossar, CFE, AAragon Investigation Agency; and Bill Kenney, Kilwin’s Chocolate at Birkdale Village.

Each Rat Pack member is organizing and hosting various events through Oct. 20. Habitat will hold a wine-and-cheese kick off Sept. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lake Norman Cottage, next to North Harbor Restaurant. Make a $20 donation to Habitat, enjoy refreshments and meet the Rat Pack.

Find more information about the competitors and events and buy tickets for the Cheese Ball at Habitat’s website, www.ourtownshabitat.org.