RENO, Nev.— Firefighters First Credit Union placed third in the People’s Choice award at the 51st Annual International Chili Society World’s Championships here.
Earlier this year, the $1.25-billion Firefighters First swept the Fifth Annual Xpress Data, Inc. Credit Union Chili Challenge in August, topping 21 other credit union teams to win first place from judges and the People’s Choice Award. It was the first time a team had won both categories
Los Angeles-based Firefighters First competed in the Homestyle category, and faced off against 156 teams competing for the People’s Choice award. In total, 452 chili cooks competed in different categories that also included Traditional Red Chili, Chili Verde, Salsa and a Youth division. Firefighters First’s team, Fire Watch, received a plaque and a $100 prize. The honor marks the fourth time a credit union team has placed at the ICS World’s Championships.
“Our team had a wonderful time at the International Chili Championships,” said Chantel Perez, Firefighters First corporate regional office manager and captain of the credit union’s chili team. “It was a great experience being among chili winners who have participated for many years. We didn’t know what to expect, but everyone was welcoming and helpful. Overall, we had a great time.”
At the Fifth Annual Xpress Data, Inc. Credit Union Chili Challenge in Del Mar, Calif., in addition to firefighter teams coming from as far away as New Orleans to compete, the 2017 Chili Challenge also raised $15,000 for credit union charities.
“It’s exciting to see this event continue to grow,” said Xpress Data Founder Mike Cooper. “It’s not only a fun way to increase employee engagement, credit unions also raise money for their favorite charities.”
XDI noted it has created a Chili Cookoff Kit that provides credit unions with everything they need to host their own cookoff, which can be used to determine which team competes in the Chili Challenge, or just provides a fun event for staffers. The kit includes instructions, rules, ballots and even a plaque for the winner. For info: www.xdi.com/ChiliChallenge.