by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
City agencies raise funds for the United Way campaign in many ways. Some do it through donations and payroll deductions and some are a bit more creative.
The Planning Department held its third annual chili cook-off competition and bake sale Tuesday in the studio theater on the 7th floor of the Florida Theatre Building. Five full-time planners and part-time chefs donated their creations to the cause. Others were up before dawn baking cakes, pies, cookies and bread. Dozens of department members donated $5 to sample this year’s entries, vote for their favorite and have lunch with their colleagues. The proceeds from the chili contest and bake sale benefit the United Way and contribute to the City’s goal of raising $385,000 for the campaign this year.
“It all started three years ago when we consolidated our department on the 5th floor,” said Margo Moehring, Strategic Planning division chief, who brought her Tuscan chili to this year’s event. “We wanted to raise money for the United Way and it was Halloween, so we also wanted to have a party. Over the years, the competition has gotten fierce.”
Scherrie Reed, one of the cook-off’s organizers, said in the past three years the party has become a social event as well as a way to contribute to the City’s effort for the charity.
“We get to kibitz and visit with each other every year. Everybody wins. The United Way wins and we all get something to eat,” said Reed.