On a cool, crisp November morning, the brisk morning air warms rather quickly with excitement and anticipation. Standing in the shadows of the new, 80,000 square foot Edge District building at 1860 Kimball Avenue, the asphalt parking lot is filled with the sounds of sizzling pots and bubbling chili. A deep, hearty fragrance spreads throughout the venue, making mouths water and stomachs growl. Each year, the Young Trustees of MHK Chili Cook-Off cooking contest stands out as one of the most vibrant and beloved events in the Little Apple, and the upcoming 2024 edition will be no exception.
Founded in 2015, the Young Trustees of MHK are a growing group of professionals within the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF). This group of 45 members, all in their twenties and thirties, aims to learn the roles of the senior trustees while actively engaging in community service. Their mission is to identify and address needs within the Manhattan community by raising funds to support nearly 100 nonprofit organizations under the GMCF's umbrella.
When the Young Trustees were founded, they sought a way to define their mission. Jamie Coones, founder of Poo Squad, proposed a chili cookoff with a charitable twist. A Wichita native, Jamie had been inspired by the Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff held annually in the Air Capital. He presented the idea, and, along with co-chairs Addie Bunnell & Gavin Schmidt, they successfully launched the first event in 2017.
The Young Trustees operate similarly to the GMCF, with a goal of supporting multiple nonprofits simultaneously rather than focusing on just one, as each nonprofit conducts its own fundraising efforts. The chili cook-off provides businesses with an opportunity to choose a nonprofit to represent. Not only do businesses participate and select a nonprofit, but attendees also have a chance to give back. For every ticket sold, guests can designate a nonprofit to receive a portion of the proceeds. Five dollars from each $20 ticket is donated to the nonprofit chosen by the guest, with a minimum donation of $100 guaranteed to each organization. Last year, the event donated nearly $4,000 from attendant ticket sales alone. Over the years, the event has granted over $84,000 to local nonprofits.
When the festival doors open at 11 AM, you'll receive a tasting kit that includes a spoon and a voting bean. As you explore and sample the various chilies from 30 teams, use your bean to vote for your favorite. The chili with the most beans wins the People’s Champion Award. K-State football will be playing at Houston, and the game will be broadcast on a 15’ jumbotron. Kids can enjoy a bounce house and other activities. There will also be a pepper-eating contest, live entertainment, and a beer garden, sponsored by Rockin’ K’s.
Regarding the contest, the rule is simple: anything goes, just as long as it resembles chili. A panel of 10-15 independent judges evaluates the entries based on specific criteria, including taste, texture, appearance, and aroma. Led by Dennis Lang, the panel consists of seasoned veterans with extensive experience judging cooking competitions.
Once the afternoon rolls along, and the results are tallied, the award ceremony will take place. A total of $10,000 in non-profit prize money is up for grabs for the top three teams, along with prize money and awards for Most Spirited and the highly coveted People’s Champion.
Winning the Young Trustees of MHK Chili Cook-Off signifies more than just culinary success—it underscores a commitment to supporting local nonprofits. It brings recognition, pride, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. The victory showcases both exceptional cooking skills and a dedication to giving back to the Little Apple. Ultimately, everyone who attends the MHK Chili Cook-Off and the nonprofits they support are the true winners of the day.
To buy your tickets for the 7th Annual MHK Chili Cook-Off, presented by Sink Gordon Accountants & Advisors, LLP, visit MHKchili.com
"It's not just about great chili—it's about supporting local nonprofits and having fun while making a real impact." – Jamie Coones