The Dallas Bears hosted their first Chili Cook-Off at the Hidden Door on Saturday afternoon. Seventeen LGBT organizations and individual competitors vied for tickets while raising money for charities.
“This year our beneficiaries are Youth First, AIDS Services of Dallas and AIDS Interfaith Network,” said Bears President Wayne Davis.
For $5 local tasters received six spoons, a bowl and a ticket to vote on the best chili.
“Our focus is raising money for AIDS-related charities throughout our community,” said Bears Treasurer Devon DeVasqez.
Despite cool weather, the crowd quickly swelled to more than 150 tasters coming and going.
“We all need to give back to the community in whatever form or fashion we can,” said Larry Finch, former DB president. “Whether it’s our time, our money or just our support to the organizations.”
From “sweet with a kick” to “hot and spicy,” competitors enticed tasters with various prepared chili creations. As the crowd began to fill up and wind down, an auction was held while tickets and scores were tallied.
There were seven winners:
• Best Tasting Chili: The SLUTS
• Best Theme Presentation: The United Court of the Lone Star Empire
• Best Individual Entry: Doctor Dang
• Best Group Entry: TGRA
• Hottest Chili: Discipline Core 2 of 2
• Community Favorite, which received the most tickets: United Court of the Lone Star Empire
But the grand title, Best Overall, went to Butch Compton.
“It’s all out of good fun,” Compton said upon receiving his trophy and certificate. “I enjoy the happiness on people’s faces when they eat something that’s tasty.”