As the temperatures begin to drop in Minnesota, Innovize associates turned up the heat by participating in the 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff. Held to raise funds for the M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, the event brought together the Innovize community for a fun and flavorful lunch hour.
With eight crockpots lined up, associates had their choice of mouth-watering chili creations, each equally unique. The rules were simple: taste any number of entries based on your donation, vote for your favorite, and grab a bowl of your top pick. The chili names alone sparked interest: “Mild Mannered Meat Magic,” “Boilermaker,” “The STEAKS Are HIGH,” “Baja Bonanza,” “Screams and Beans,” “6 Gun Chili,” “Wiener, Wiener, Chili Dinner,” and “Off the Rails.”
In addition to great food, there was more on the line. Associates could enter a drawing for an exclusive Vikings package that included two tickets to a game in Section 215, a Vikings-themed hat, cooler, blanket, and water bottle.
The Chili Cookoff also coincided with Innovize’s Spirit Week, and associates showed off their team spirit by wearing flannel or jerseys for the day. The lunchroom buzzed with conversation and debate over which chili deserved the crown.
At the end of the day, the Chili Champion turned into two with a tie between Weiner, Weiner, Chili Dinner cooked by Deb Merchant and 6 Gun Chili prepared by Rick Pratt. The talented winners got a free entry into the drawing for the Vikings package. The winner of the Vikings package was our very own Master Scheduler, Sarah Goetz.
By the end of the event, Innovize raised just over $1,500, with the company generously matching the donations. The Innovize CARES Team, which hosted the event, wishes to thank all cooks, judges, and donators who made the event happen.
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