Lakeland PBS
❤ Donate
  • Home
  • Support
  • Watch Now
    • Livestream
    • Local Shows
    • Watch Online
    • Schedule
    • Our Channels
    • Web Cam
  • Lakeland News
    • News Feed
    • Featured Segments
    • Watch a News Story
    • Watch a Sports Story
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • State Legacy Funding
    • Meetings & Public Filings
    • Education
    • Employment
  • ❤ DONATE

Lakes Area United Way Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Chili Cook-Off

Rachel Johnson — Sep. 18 2019
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Every year, people in the Brainerd Lakes Area look forward to a “filling” tradition: the United Way Chili Cook-Off. And on a cool fall day, what’s better than a nice warm bowl of chili?

“Everybody loves chili, especially in the fall. We’ve had some fall days recently and then it became second summer a little bit, but it’s fall,” said Lakes Area United Way Executive Director Kim Rollins.

That is why there is a long-standing tradition of the United Way hosting a chili cook-off as their annual celebration and fundraiser.

“We’re just ecstatic to be back here this fall and enjoying seeing everybody and the enthusiasm for the Chili Cook-Off,” said Lakes Area United Way board chair Todd Bymark.

The Chili Cook-Off invites businesses and non-profit organizations from across the Lakes area to cook their own chili recipe. Then members of the community come in, try the chili, and vote on their favorite.

“It’s so fun to see all the different types and kinds of chili that are put together because they are very unique,” said Rollins. “We have some hot. We have some sweet. We have some that are boiled in bourbon.”

The cook-off is always a hit with the chili chefs and chili tasters alike.

“People are really enjoying it and we are joining around with everybody,” said chili chef Steve Moe. “Everybody is having a really good time.”

Though there is still an abundance of chili, this year, the event was a little different. 2019 marks the organization’s 50th anniversary, and with that, what used to be called the United Way of Crow Wing & Southern Cass Counties decided to change their name to better encompass who they serve.

“We are now Lakes Area United Way,” Rollins said. “So this is our subtle, not-so-subtle launch of our new name.”

Though the name may be changing, the purpose of the United Way and the Chili Cook-Off remains the same – to give back and bring the community together.

“It’s a very giving community and for this community to show up like they do for this chili cook-off, that’s really the best part about it,” said Bymark. “Seeing everybody and the large crowd that come to this every year.”

After the results were tallied, Cashwise Liquor took home the prize of best chili made by a business, and the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation and the Brainerd Learning Center won the people’s choice award.

Lakeland News is member supported content. Please consider supporting Lakeland News today.

Donate Today
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Rachel Johnson

By — Rachel Johnson

Lakeland News Lead Reporter

Related Posts

United Way of Bemidji Area Asking for Grant Applications

In Focus: Second Harvest Hosts Virtual Chef Challenge in Place of Annual Gala

Annual BRRRmidji Plunge Goes Virtual

Golden Apple: Fundraiser Helps Local Catholic School During Pandemic

  • Program Schedule

Get the free PBS Video App

roku
Apple TV
FireTV
AndroidTV
Google Play Store
Apple Store

Connect with Us

Watch Live News Casts

Contact Us

Directions
Submit an Event
Submit a Video or Photo
Problem with the Website
Need to contact us about something else? Please visit our contact us page for more options.

About Us

Lakeland PBS understands that the media people are exposed to make a significant impact on their lives. Our hope is that the six channels we broadcast along with our online presence provide people with media experiences that make a positive impact on their lives.

Lakeland PBS is where you want to be!

108 Grant Ave NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 | 800-292-0922
KAWE Public Profile | KAWB Public Profile | Cable Provider Channel List | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2021 Lakeland PBS. All Right Reserved.

How would you like to show your support?

Monthly Contribution

One-Time Contribution

Thank-You Gift

I would like to select a thank-you gift

No Gift

Put 100% of my gift towards programming

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.