Can a bowl of chili transform the lives of disabled children and vulnerable people in Ukraine? It can if it’s the annual Helmer Scientific Chili Cook-off. Held each year on National Chili Day, the Chili Cook-off brings the employees of Helmer together for a friendly, but ultra-competitive, competition to determine who makes the best chili. This fun-filled event includes employee promotion of each “chili brand” long before the day of the event, as well as many other events such as a Habanero Auction. These promotional events encourage team members and Community Partners to vote for the best chili and provide support for Mission to Ukraine (MTU) located in Zhitomar, Ukraine.
Why a chili cook-off? Since 2008, Helmer has been providing support to MTU, visiting the Romaniv Orphanage for disabled boys, volunteering at day camps and hosting events to improve and help transform the lives of the overlooked in Ukraine. Mission trips were taken each year until the war broke out in 2014. However, Helmer Scientific continues to support MTU until they can return again. In 2012, the Romaniv Orphanage wanted to take the boys on a trip to the Aquarium, as they rarely leave the facility. A Helmer engineer decided to host a Chili Cook-off in the engineering department to raise the money necessary for the Aquarium visit during the annual mission trip.
Since that time, the Chili Cook-off has evolved into a company event, complete with project managers, a visit from the Mayor of Noblesville, and the inclusion of community partners. The first event featured 7 pots of chili and a group of 3 judges. Last year’s event saw over 40 entries with 9 judges deciding the chili champion. In addition, a spreadsheet was developed by Kyle Stout, a Helmer software engineer, to automatically tabulate the winners for faster results. Billie Miller, Chili Cook-off project manager stated, “Everyone comes together for this event. It builds teamwork and broadens your horizon beyond your doorstep.”
Three chili categories are offered; Traditional, Spicy, or Alternative. Winners are selected by a blind taste test with Category Winners and a Grand Champion being crowned. In addition, the entire company is invited to test each pot of chili and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Jared Owens, three time Grand Champion and project manager for the Chili Cook-off loves that he can help support the Helmer generosity initiatives in his own way. “The competition is fun and is shared by the whole company. If I can make a pot of chili that leads to supporting these underserved people, then I’m going to do it. Who can’t make a pot of chili?” said Owens.
This day of fun, camaraderie and team work is directed at a greater cause; bringing hope and promise to the Special Needs community and disabled citizens, which are isolated and given little acceptance within the country. Kenny Wilson, one of the current Chili Cook-off project managers, was part of the second mission trip to Zhitomar. “I’m a family man, and visiting Ukraine was very special to me. Being a part of the Chili Cook-off and seeing the truly cross-functional camaraderie of my peers to help restore dignity and hope to the people of Ukraine, is something that I am proud to be associated with,” said Wilson.
Check back to see who was crowned 2017 Chili Grand Champion!
To find out more about Helmer Generosity programs visit www.helmerinc.com/responsibility/generosity or for information on how you can become involved with Mission to Ukraine, please visit www.missiontoukraine.org.
