Fanshawe's United Way Chili Cook-Off fundraiser

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: DARBYU MOUSSEAU
Fanshawe College kicks off its United Way campaign with a chili cook-off.

This year’s United Way Chili Cook-Off is involving staff and students in a delicious way.

Fanshawe Student Union Services Manager, Carol Blazer, is heavily involved in planning the event and said this year things were going to be different.

“We’re trying to change it up a bit,” said Blazer. “We’re actually going to do a cook-off where everyone gets the three samples and then gets to vote for the one they like best so it will be a people’s choice award this year.”

The event is put on annually to raise money for Fanshawe’s United Way campaign.

“First [it’s] to announce the kickoff and unveiling of Fanshawe’s goal [for the campaign],” said Blazer. “It’s to raise awareness that it’s happening and that it’s happening on campus.”

According to a press release sent out by Fanshawe last year, “One in five children in London lives in poverty. The purchase of one chili lunch for $5 could help a United Way-funded agency provide a child living in poverty with a nutritious breakfast every morning for two weeks.”

The annual chili cook-off evokes friendly competition between the three competitors – Chartwells, Fanshawe Student Union and Hospitality.

“It’s a good way for them to have some friendly competition,” Blazer said. “We currently have the trophy – the FSU. So [we’re] going to want to keep the trophy. It’s all about bragging rights.”

Basketball player and Electrical Techniques student, Kyle McConnell said he likes a nice hearty chili.

“[You] definitely have to have your meat and your beans, spices [and] vegetables of course,” he said.

He said he would be coming out and that it is important to support causes like United Way.

“[It’s important] to give back to the community and give to people that actually need it,” he said. “I’ll be there.”

The college’s goal last year was $106,500. We can only expect a bigger goal for 2014.

The cook-off raised $2,141.50. Blazer is hoping to top it.

She also added that everything is donated so all proceeds go to the United Way.

“[The three food services] donate the chili to this cause,” she said. “Coke gets involved with the bottled water donation. It’s all donations. Any money that comes in – that $5 – is all going directly to the United Way.”

Come out to F Hallway to taste some chili on October 1, vote for your favourite and donate to a good cause.

For more information on United Way, visit unitedwaylm.ca