Friday afternoon Granite Construction and a number of community sponsors did an awesome job raising funds to support The Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah (a charter of The Boys & Girls Club of America).
Liz Elmore, chief professional officer of the club, said the funds raised at this event would support the general operations budget for the organization. More than 200 kids visit the The boys and Girls Club each day after school.
Jason Woelbing, Office Manager for Granite Construction, is the coordinator for the annual Chili Cook-Off. He described this event as an opportunity for businesses to promote positive team building experiences and community involvement.
Each chili booth was occupied by a business, with many donating much needed equipment for the event, such as the floodlights, tables, chairs, barbecue pits, beer and wine (all sales proceeds were given to the club).
Some of these businesses have participated since it”s inception while others were new this year, but everyone had a great time.
This year 24 teams offered chili tastes to attendees, more than double of last year”s entries. While some participants played it safe with the usual chili ingredients, some entries boasted unique additions like Portuguese sausage, wine reduction and roasted pineapple.
Each booth was asked to bring 10-15 gallons of chili for the public to taste. Some booths added extra goodies, such as fry bread, wine and, of course, much needed bottles of water.
By far, the hottest chili was made by employees representing Coyote Valley Casino. Made with chili peppers called Trinidad Scorpions and Ghost chili”s, only the brave dared to taste and burn! Of course, they won the “Hottest Chili” competition.
The winners in all categories are:
• Best Chili – Savings Bank of Mendocino
• 2nd place – First Presbyterian Church
• 3rd place – Rainbow Ag Services
• Hottest Chili – Coyote Valley Casino
• Best Booth – Ken Fowler Motors
• Best Dressed (costumes) – Savings Bank of Mendocino
• Crookedest Team – DeFatte Equipment Rentals
If you weren”t able to come out to enjoy the festivities this year, be sure to mark your calendar for next year. Congratulations to all the winners!
Article and Chili Cook-Off standings courtesy of Debra Eloise. She can be reached at myladyeloise@gmail.com.
Kelly Hancock contributed to this report.
