8th Annual Chili Cook Off

Campus Lions Club hosts popular event in central commons

The Lions Club at Dakota County Technical College hosted the 8th Annual Chili Cook Off Thursday, April 19, 2018, in the central commons on the DCTC main campus in Rosemount, Minnesota.

“Every student volunteer had a blast at the event,” said Brett Kolles, DCTC English faculty and Lions Club faculty co-advisor. “They met new friends, had fun and loved the cause.”

The Chili Cook Off raised $500 for The Open Door, a nonprofit organizations that assists thousands of local individuals each month through a variety of programs designed to connect those in need with fresh, nutritious food options. Read more…

“The Open Door operates the Mobile Pantry and other food services,” Brett said. “The Open Door was extremely appreciative of our efforts and even posted DCTC pics on their Facebook page. The rest of the money raised after expenses will go toward future Lions activities, including Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House and our newest venture: supporting Teen Challenge.”

Top Chili Winners

Nicole Evridge

First place: Nicole Evridge
“Philly Pride”

Second place: Kelly Trainor/Lancer
“Wild Hog Chili”

Third place: Kathy Gervais
“Winner, Winner…Chicken Dinner”

Each received Joe’s Sporting Goods $50 gift card

Other event highlights…

• Thirty-three crock pots of chili were entered in the competition—the most ever
• Lots of new staff and faculty were first-time cook-off participants
• Emily Mateo, former DCALS high school teacher, won the random drawing for an Xavier Rhodes jersey
  • Emily works with Mark Grant, DCTC communications faculty
  • “Mark joked with Emily before she won the random drawing that he was voting for her chili,” Brett said. “Emily laughed as she told me the story.”
• Harold Torrence, DCTC business faculty, provided live music

Brett noted that this Chili Cook Off  was the Lions Club’s most successful to date.

“Not just in terms of money raised,” he said, “but also in the number of student volunteers, new chili donors and, frankly, organization. We’ve learned a lot over the years—and we have implemented new ideas and solutions with every event.”

Brett added that the Lions Board created a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis following this event, saying “The ideas this exercise generated suggest the 9th Annual Chili Cook Off will be even better.”

More about the DCTC Lions Club…

The DCTC Lions Club is a charter member of Lions Clubs International, an organization recognized by employers and community organizations worldwide. Students are able to serve the college and community with exciting and purposeful activities ranging from the Polar Plunge and Habitat for Humanity to an annual Chili Cook-Off. Lifelong friendships, professional development and fun are just a few of the benefits of this highly active club.

Visit Lions Club to learn more.

To learn more about the Lions Club at DCTC, contact:

Brett Kolles
English Faculty
Campus Lions Club Faculty Co-Advisor
651-423-8395
DCTC Lions: “We’ve Got This.”
Lions Club Blog
DCTC Lions Club on Facebook

Erin McCrorey
Mathematics Faculty
Campus Lions Club Faculty Co-Advisor
DCTC Lions: “We’ve Got This.”