17th annual Chili Cookoff raises money for Boardman Optimist Club

BEAVER TWP, Ohio (WKBN) – The results are in for the 17th annual Chili Cookoff hosted by the Boardman Optimist Club.

Over a dozen chefs served up their secret recipes for votes tonight at Avion on the Water in Beaver Township. This year’s competition was close and it got heated among the contenders.

First News Anchor Lindsey Watson served as the emcee for the fourth year in a row.

All of the money raised goes back to the Optimist Club to invest in various local programs, benefitting children in the community.

“This is our single and only fundraiser each year and we use the funds raised here to fund all of our programs throughout the year. We have bicycle safety for elementary students, oratorical contests for high school students where we give scholarships and gifts to the winners so it funds all of that,” said Chuck Hillman, Boardman Optimist Club.

Another fun highlight of the night is the “Battle of the Broadcasters”, featuring some new WKBN personalities. First News Reporter Hanna Erdmann took home the top prize against Meteorologist Craig Ziobert and producer Brandy Johanntges.

Other winners included:

• Hottest Chili: Congressman Michael Rulli
• Most Original Chili: Candidate for Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro
• Favorite Political Chili: Mahoning County Commissioner Dave Ditzler
• Favorite Celebrity Chili (Battle of the Broadcasters): Hannah Erdman
• Best of the Chili Cook-off: Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti

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