First decide if you want to cook or compete. If you just want to be out there and need the money to do it, then cooking for 80 people is fine. Nothing wrong with that. If you want good scores... dump the crowd as fast as you can. Streamline to just the things and activities you need to WIN the contest. This may actually save you some money that can turn into product or entry fees.
Sounds like you want to be more competitive, so I'd say dump the extracurriculars as fast as you can, enter as many contests as you can afford, look for ways afford more, and work by yourself if you can't find a worthy companion. I'm fortunate to have two great guys (Randy & Andy) who can step in at any time as a Plowboy. However, I go it completely alone several times a year.