Cook-off raises money
To raise money for the Arthritis Foundation, the School of Physical Therapy held its annual Chili Cook-Off on Nov. 9 in Martin Hall. This year marks the fourth year the event has been held.
“I was looking for a way to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation and to team that with the ‘Education for Service’ motto of the university, so this seemed like a natural fit,” said Assistant Professor of the Krannert School of Physical Therapy Bill Staples.
To enter the Chili Cook-Off, participants must have been part of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Contestants were allowed to make chili, soup or a stew to share.
Eight people entered the Cook-Off this year.
Physical therapy graduate student Jon Broyles was one of the eight who entered the contest. He made his wife’s Spicy Sweet Chili.
“I’ve done the Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation the last two years, and I appreciate what this organization does for people with various forms of the disease, so I jumped at the opportunity to help raise funds for it in a fun and creative way,” Broyles said.
Staples said that the School of Physical Therapy decided to donate money to the Arthritis Foundation for several reasons.
“Physical therapists work with people with a variety of arthritic and rheumatoid diseases, so this is a way to make students aware of the organization,” he said. “Additionally, I am on the regional Board of Directors of the Arthritis Foundation.”
During the cook-off, people were asked to make a $5 donation. The donation allowed everyone to sample and receive one full bowl of a favorite soup.
Each of the soups were marked anonymously, and visitors voted for their favorite. Sophomore biology major Kara Marshall said that choosing which one soup she liked the best was difficult.
“I really like spicy chili, so I looked for a chili that was spicy, but not too overpowering,” Marshall said. “Each of the contestants did a great job.”
At the end of the Cook-Off, the winners were announced and awarded with prizes. Broyles earned third place and received an Arthritis Foundation backpack and thermos. Beth Kiggens earned second place and received a duffel bag.
Stacie Neuhaus, Director of Procurement and Ancillary Services, earned first place and received a digital picture frame and trophy.
Broyles said he thought the sweetness of his chili made it stand out from the rest of the entries. He also believed that his chili was thicker and meatier.
“[I am] thankful that I can eat award-winning chili by just staying at home to eat dinner,” Broyles said.
As for the future of the Chili Cook-Off, Staples said the School of Physical Therapy has a few goals.
“We [ the School of Physical Therapy] would like to expand to 12 entrants next year,” Staples said. “And make it an event that is looked forward to every year as a regular campus event.”
