Cook-off for charity

Members of the 911th Airlift Wing competed for the title of king or queen of the ladle during a chili and soup cook-off held at the Community Activity Center here on Nov. 18, 2016.

The event was hosted by the Combined Federal Campaign which supports eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. Twelve charities attended, including the American Red Cross and the Western PA Chapter, National Hemophelia Foundation.

Jessica Davis, campaign manager for the CFC, said that the cook-off created a friendly competition, with 10 participants and over 70 judges.

“I was glad we got the really good turnout that we did, especially since we haven’t had one in a few years,” said Davis.

Alison Yazer, executive director of the WPCNH, said this is the first CFC event her organization has been to.

“We’re thankful to have the opportunity to introduce our organization and to meet the other participating non-profits,” said Yazer. “Plus, we’re recruiting for our own chili cook-off in February!”

Aside from the opportunity for the attending charities to speak with base members, the free event raised a total of $286.25 in donations for the CFC’s general fund.

After the votes were counted, Tech. Sgt. Dawn Hallock, medical service administrator with the 911th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, was dubbed queen of the ladle with her white chicken chili wowing the crowd.

“I was at a friend’s baby shower and she had white chicken chili there,” said Hallock. “I asked for her recipe and she told me she had just searched for a recipe online that had heavy cream and sour cream. So I made an online search, found a recipe and just kind of tweaked it over the past few years to where it is now.”

The title also came with a backpack full of travel and survival supplies, including a CFC blanket, sunscreen and travel-sized shampoos. But according to Hallock, the best parts were the atmosphere and the fact that the event was raising money for a good cause.