Chili Cook-Off at Harris Group Inc.

By Steve Papp, United Way Community Account Manager

Harris Group, Inc. ran a fun and successful campaign by showing off their creativity. The employee team showed positive and creative energy by hosting three special events: a Chili cook-off, a pumpkin-carving contest and Change wars. These events brought the team together, infused fun in the workday and raised over $5,000 for the community.

More about the chili cook-off. There were six chilis in the cook-off, ranging from the traditional flavors (just like Mom made) to a meaty five-alarm chili that was packed with flavor and is a sure fire way to warm you up on those cold rainy days.



The winner, John Arscott (pictured above) made a chili with a variety of ingredients that made everyone wonder…what’s in this?!?! The flavors were familiar yet inventive and now he will own the traveling chili cook-off trophy for one year…until next year’s challenge.


From left: Chris Groskopf, Sean Duffy, Ian Townsend, Steve Papp (United Way), Shirley Veltkamp, and Sheila Stai

Harris Group has been a strong supporter of the community all year round. In addition to their United Way workplace giving campaign, they have been giving basic necessities (e.g. toilet paper, food, plates, toys and monetary donations) to a local women and children's shelter. Employees also collected blankets and other knitting items from friends and provided them to those in need.