Once again the State of Colorado Championship was a great time. Many thanks to the Grand Lake Fire Department who did a great job organizing and supporting this event. I haven’t seen the final dollar amount raised however the chili sold out again this year and the silent auction was well attended. Thanks to everyone who brought items for the silent auction it is through your help and generosity that we are able to raise a lot of money for the various charities that the Fire Department gives the money to. 

It was great to see some familiar faces at Grand Lake this year.  In fact, Doug and Julie Ingerson came out and showed us that they haven’t lost their touch even if they haven’t been able to cook with us for a while.  Doug took 1st in Green and 2nd in Red and Julie took 2nd in Green and 6th in Red.  It was great to see them again and hopefully we will see them at more cookoff's in the future.  Congratulations to Kyle Haberman for qualifying for TICC showmanship by taking 3rd.  And who says we aren’t good hosts…. We seem to do this “good host” thing every year.  Debbie Turner from Waxahachie, Texas took 1^st place.  Congrats, Debbie!

We also enjoyed the company of Mel (el presidente de CASI) and Diane Fitzhenry who both placed in the top ten, along with Alan (CASI Executive Director) and Susan Dean (another top ten finisher), who every year force themselves to leave the comforts of home and face the grueling climate of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We certainly want to thank them for the great sacrifices they endure just to support our cookoff. What better friends could you ask for?

And speaking of friends and how they step up to the plate…. A special thanks to everyone that brought an item or two to the silent auction in Grand Lake.  Reportedly, the charity raised over $1,700 via the silent auction.  Everything donated was appreciated.  By the comments we heard - Julie’s chili bags were great. 

And what about Rocky Kimball and Julia???  They were unable to be with us this year in Grand Lake due to a family commitment so they made a cash contribution to the event.  Rocky and Julia – you went the “extra mile”.  Thanks!