Mankato's ChiliFest 2009

2009 ChiliFest for Vets and Rett

Rett Angels at 2008 ChiliFest 2009 marks the 2nd Annual 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. Ashlyn Bennett

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 dramatic 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. The 1st Annual ChiliFest was a resounding success, bringing in over $8,000 for the two groups!

This year's ChilIFest will prove to be BIGGER and BETTER than last years! We have a lot of exciting things planned for the day, including a bean bag tournament, silent auction, celebrity judges, entertainment by Fish Frye (the band, not the food), games for the kids and A LOT MORE!! Check back often for updates on what's coming!

View a partial listing of this year's Silent Auction items HERE (over 125 items!)

This Year's Judges:

	Minnesota Lt. Governor Carol Molnau
	Nicole Winters, KEYC-TV anchor
	Bukata Hayes, Executive Director, Greater Mankato Diversity Council
	Brad Steele, Hot 96.7 KDOG-FM On-Air personality
	Eric Malone, Director, River Hills Mall Security
	Hon. Bradley Walker, Blue Earth County District Court Judge