Chili Cook-Off Benefits Set For Erie, North East Student Unions

Come hungry for good food and friendly competition. The annual “Phil Up Your Bowl” Chili Cook-Off benefit is slated for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on

Friday, Feb. 1, at Mercyhurst University campuses in Erie and North East at their respective student unions.

The university’s Human Resources and Campus Ministry offices cosponsor the event, a campus tradition since it started in 2006. This marks the inaugural culinary competition at the North East campus, where donations will benefit the North East Community Food Bank. Proceeds from the Erie event will benefit the United Way.

For a donation of 50 cents per sample or a nonperishable food item, attendees can sample each chili and vote for the best in each category: Traditional, hot and spicy, vegetarian, most unique ingredient and all-around champion.

“We already have some buzz building among staff members who have signed up to compete,” said Michele Bille of the university’s Human Resources Office. “This is always a fun event that gets the campus community excited, and it’s for a good cause.”

Last year’s cook-off in Erie raised $220 for the United Way and 30 canned food items for Mercy Center for Women. Mercyhurst employee contributions to United Way increased 20 percent during 2011, Bille said, thanks to 28 first-time donors as well as increased giving from those who gave last year.

For more information, contact the Human Resources Office at 814-824-2279.