Last weekend, I was invited to participate in the 3rd annual Mankato's Chilifest for Vets and Retts. Teams from the Mankato community brought their favorite chili recipes to distribute to those attending the event. I had the honor of serving the judges, who trooped through at least 25 different chili recipes to choose their favorite! The proceeds from the event went toward the building of Veteran's Memorial Place in Mankato, a memorial to honor those who have served our country, and research to find a cure for Rett Syndrome. The following information is from the ChiliFest website:
2010 marks the 3rd Annual Mankato’s ChiliFest for Vets and Rett. The idea for ChiliFest was conceived by Mankato Police Commanders Amy Vokal and Matt DuRose, along with KTOE 1420 AM radio personality Trish. During their weekly radio show, “Talkin’ the Beat”, they came up with the idea of having a grudge-match chili cook-off between police officers and firefighters. In the Fall of 2008, the idea gained inspiration, when Ashlyn Bennett, the daughter of Mankato Police Officer Jason
2010 marks the 3rd Annual Mankato’s ChiliFest for Vets and Rett. The idea for ChiliFest was conceived by Mankato Police Commanders Amy Vokal and Matt DuRose, along with KTOE 1420 AM radio personality Trish. During their weekly radio show, “Talkin’ the Beat”, they came up with the idea of having a grudge-match chili cook-off between police officers and firefighters. In the Fall of 2008, the idea gained inspiration, when Ashlyn Bennett, the daughter of Mankato Police Officer Jason
Bennett, had a dramatic change in her medical status. Ashlyn, who was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in 2007, suffered a drastic and sudden onset of uncontrollable seizures, causing her to be hospitalized for a month. Ashlyn became the motivation to bring the 1st Annual ChiliFest to fruition, to raise money for the Minnesota Rett Syndrome Research Association. As the planning continued, Mankato area Veterans took up the cause as well, and the Mankato Veteran’s Memorial Place also became a beneficiary of the event. Thanks to the generous donations of the Greater Mankato Community members, over $23,000 has been raised for Rett Syndrome Research and the Mankato Veteran’s Memorial Place!
I am so thankful to have been included in this event! It was amazing to see the tremendous community support for this cause. Buster's Bar & Grill was packed! I hope this event continues to be succesful in the future until a cure for Rett Syndrome is found!
I am so thankful to have been included in this event! It was amazing to see the tremendous community support for this cause. Buster's Bar & Grill was packed! I hope this event continues to be succesful in the future until a cure for Rett Syndrome is found!
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