Tracy Dawkins’ spicy chili topped the field in the 2015 Staff Council Chili/Chowder Cook-off held recently in the Cone University Center.
Ten staff members participated in this year’s contest. In addition to Dawkins, who works with the Cone Center, Brien Clapton (northern-style chili), facilities management; Kemet Gatchell (spicy beer chili), recreational services; Jim Kay and Neil Talley (spicy beef chili), Student Union; Nicole Madonna-Rosario (salsa verde chicken) and Leslie Robinson (not-your-normal beef tip chili), Center for Wellness Promotion; Amanda Simpson (white beans and chicken), Belk College of Business; Chandler Solomon (chili chili bang bang), student activity center and venue management; and Bill Sparger (49er alarm chili), ITS; entered the event.
Robinson won the prize for best decorations; while Clapton and Solomon tied for fan favorite determined by the votes of faculty/staff who attended the event.
Retha Jeter, building environmental services; Tina McEntire, enrollment management; and Robin Weaver, ITS; won raffle and door prizes.
“Thanks to all who came out to participate in the chili/chowder cook-off on Monday, especially the contestants and judges,” said Jim Kay, Staff Council chair. “Everyone seemed to have a great time. We can’t wait to start planning next year’s cook-off, so start thinking of your recipes now.”