"Champion Chili" Triumphs in Popular Charity Event

For the 9th year, Booz Allen Hamilton offices across the country participated in the annual Chili Cook-off, a gastronomical adventure involving 2,100 staff members — and raising more than $16,000 for the American Cancer Society's (ACS) "Relay for Life."

The 2005 stats were impressive:

• 35 participating offices
• 160 volunteers
• 320 cooks
• 309 different varieties
• 350 gallons of chili consumed

And the chefs' creativity extended beyond their culinary prowess to their imaginative recipe names: "Confetti Chili," "Joe's Heartburn Special," "Bambi Brew," "Pink Bow Chili," "Outstandingly Great Chili," "Dave's Super Yummy Chili," and the venison-based "The Buck Stopped Here"… to list just a few.

But when the steam cleared, celebrity judges WTB President Dennis Doughty, VP Don Vincent, and two ACS representatives agreed that the traveling chili trophy should be awarded to "Champion Chili," the invention of Newark's Administrative Professional Michele Taylor.

Concocted with "lots of spices," Champion Chili also demonstrated Taylor's talent for infusing this hearty dish with just the right touch of sweetness: A bit of sugar to cut the acid from the tomatoes, and a measure of sweet corn for a delicious surprise. The trophy will remain with Taylor in Newark until next year's cook-off.

Volunteers and Community Relations staff ensured that the charitable event went off without a hitch. Cook-off plans were initiated in January 2005, when volunteer coordinators were recruited and offices received directions, event-related merchandise, and chili shipping supplies. Offices hosted a series of cook-offs through April, and "tasters" made donations to ACS to cast their vote for best chili cuisine. Each office then sent a sample of its winning chili to Booz Allen's corporate headquarters in McLean, Virginia, where 16 volunteer judges narrowed the choices to eight semi-finalists. Celebrity judges made the final cut.

An Enduring Partnership to Support a Meaningful Cause

Booz Allen has a longstanding relationship with the ACS and its signature two-day fundraising event, Relay for Life. Funds raised from Booz Allen's cook-offs are used for research and programs to find a cure and celebrate survivorship.

In 2005, Booz Allen received its second Excalibur Award from ACS in recognition of the firm's generosity and support, as well as its employees' extraordinary commitment to make a positive impact in the communities in which they live. The firm reached ACS National Relay Team Status in 2003-one of only a handful of companies to become part of this elite group.

2005 Booz Allen Chili Cook-off participating offices:

• AL — Huntsville
• CA — Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco
• CO — Colorado Springs, Denver
• FL — Tampa
• GA — Atlanta
• KS — Leavenworth
• LA — New Orleans
• MD — Abingdon, Annapolis Junction, Lexington Park, Linthicum, Rockville, Seabrook
• NE — Omaha
• NJ — Eatontown, Newark, Parsippany
• NY — Rome
• OH — Cleveland, Dayton
• PA — Philadelphia
• SC — Charleston
• TX — Houston, San Antonio
• VA — Crystal Square 2/Arlington, Chantilly, Fairview Park/Falls Church, Skyline/Falls Church, McLean, Norfolk, Stafford
• WA — Fort Lewis

story posted June 13, 2005