UNC Mirror

Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Entertainment

Hal Brown of dining services serves his chili made with big horn sheep meat, which he hunted himself. The cook-off was Thursday afternoon.

Not many activities on campus afford people the chance to combine networking among charitable organizations with sampling spicy foods, but at the 4th Annual Colorado Combined Campaign Chili Cook-Off, that was exactly what happened.

The Chili Cook-Off took place Thursday in the University Center Ballrooms. A large variety of groups had booths set up, each with an offering of the fiery concoction available for anybody. From UNC Dining Services to Weld Food Bank, every organization present provided a palatable helping of chili.

Attendees were also able to get information on the numerous societies involved with the Colorado Combined Campaign.

"Colorado Combined Campaign is an umbrella program," UNC coordinator Lori Brachtenbach said. "It allows state employees to set up donations through payroll deduction. The Chili Cook-Off is one of our events to attract more people and create awareness of the program. Everyone is welcome to come to it. We're always hoping to see more students."

Brachtenbach is also the assistant to the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at UNC.

One of the major charities with which CCC is involved is United Way. The representatives of the Weld County branch of the organization dubbed themselves the Spicey Girls, and offered chili and pamphlets while playing Spice Girls music.

"United Way is responsible for over 80 programs and services," Campaign Account Manager Eva Keaton said. "We're tied in with CCC, but we also do a lot with UNC, for instance the hockey team. I think it's great that the school allows us to hold the Chili Cook-Off here because it's a fun event that promotes involvement with these groups."

On Nov. 30, United Way will also be sponsoring the Bear's Den at the Ice Haus. A $25 ticket will get admission to the hockey game as well as a selection of catered food. The proceeds will go toward funding youth scholarships.

Another group sporting the name CCC was in the fray of the cook-off; the UNC student cooking club Cultural Culinary Creations.

"Our group tries to expand culture with more diverse foods," said club president Ian Mickells, who is also a senior communication major. "We are working towards putting on a Unity Festival next semester and we hope to get a lot of people involved."

Cultural Culinary Creations emerged the winner for Most Unique Chili. Hal Brown of UNC Dining Services won Spiciest Chili for a particularly piquant entry, while Information Technology took home both Best Green Chili and Best Overall.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools