Chili Champs Turn up the Heat

The aroma of simmering chili and the excited chatter of chili lovers filled the air at this year's Danos Foundation Chili Challenge. With teams from different departments and Danos offices and their own secret chili recipes, the 2023 Chili Challenge was a flavor-packed extravaganza that left everyone craving more.

The heart of the event was, of course, the chili. Amateur cooks went head-to-head to prove their chili prowess. From traditional hot dog chili to deer meat delights and unique creations, there was a chili for every palate. Attendees had the tough task of sampling and voting for their favorite chili, contributing to the nail-biting race for Chili Challenge Champion.

After much anticipation and countless taste tests, the votes were unanimous. The coveted first place title of "Chili Challenge Champion" was claimed by Team Fa-Heaters for their mouthwatering Fa-Heaters’ Fajita Chili. The 2nd Place Chili Challenge Champion went to Three Queens and the Earl of Chili for their exceptional Mean Mama’s Royal Chili. Honorable mentions and huge appreciation go to all our cooking teams: Chili Dawgs (Dawg House Chili), Team Double B (Double B Chili), Red Hot Chili Preppers (World Famous Deer Chili), The Seekers (Dilli Chili), Team Hotwork (Top Gun Chili). These teams showcased the diversity and creativity that chili and teamwork can offer! The 2023 Chili Challenge was not just about food but also awareness for the Danos Foundation’s purpose to solve challenges for our communities. It was a testament to the power of food, fun and teamwork in bringing people together...Go deeper.

The event's activity lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Chili Challenge team games, cornhole, dart board soccer and the bake sale created the perfect atmosphere for a memorable experience. Then, there was the main event… the Dunk Tank! The 2023 Danos Swim Team lineup consisted of Shawn Portier, Jerry Knight, Scott Theriot, Paul Danos and John Bigler who all sat atop the infamous dunk tank awaiting their fate as brave colleagues took their shot to dunk them. In a world filled with high-tech entertainment options, a well-aimed ball hitting a dunk tank target proved to be priceless.

The 2023 Chili Challenge was nothing short of a tasty success. It raised $13,000 and left leaving attendees with unforgettable memories and taste buds still tingling with chili-induced excitement. As the event came to a close, there was already anticipation in the air for next year's showdown.