The United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties Chili Cook-off took place on Tuesday, October 8th at Broadway Ballroom. Our theme for the Cook-off was the 70's Era to commemorate our start as a United Way in 1974. Twenty-four teams joined in the fun crafting displays, dressing up in creative costumes, volunteering their time, and serving delicious chili to those in attendance. 

We had some amazing chili’s served. Our Cook-off judges tasted all 24 chilis and scored each based on several factors. Judges represented our Event Sponsors: Leah Chalmers of Knute Nelson, Eric Halverson from Broadway Ballroom, Dylan McCallson from Aagard, Mike Pfeiffer of CyberFyfe, Kyle Athey from Geneva Capital, Amanda Hull of Massman Companies, Sadie Enberg from Alomere Health, Philip Hallstrom representing American Solutions for Business and Dan Krippner of Cub Foods. Sanford Health also provided Event Sponsorship. Thank you to our sponsors!  

Here are the Judges Results: 

• Judges Choice: Alomere
• Most Unique/Unusual: Gardonville
• Hottest: Retire United

All in attendance were given the chance to vote for their favorite chili or team of the day. Gardonville won the People's Choice with a total of 30 votes taking with them the coveted traveling trophy and bragging rights for the year. 

Members from Students United joined us as Display Judges. Several booths were outstanding! Here are the top three:  

• 3rd Place: Douglas County HRA | Hollywood Squares 
• 2nd Place: Gardonville | Grease
• 1st Place: First Western | Star Wars

Thanks goes out to Student United and Kiwanis for their volunteer support. The Dairy Association and Up North Ice Cream made In-Kind donations to provide an awesome ice-cream sundae bar that attendees loved!  As always, a special thanks to everyone who attended our event! We raised $13,000+ to support Mental Health, Education and Financial Stability in our community.