Chili, Toys for Tots and the United States Marine Corps

What’s the best way to welcome the holiday season?  How about a Chili-Cook-Off for Charity to raise money for the United States Marines Toys for Tots Foundation?  Well, we at WGS Systems agree and that’s exactly what we did.  On November 7, 2016, WGS hosted it’s second Chili-Cook-Off for Charity.

The company’s break room was lined with 11 crock pots simmering away with some of the most creative combinations of meats, beans, veggies and spices this taste tester has ever sampled.  The aroma was so tempting and savory our CEO, Bob Wise, had to act as a security guard to keep the would be tasters from indulging too soon.  I think he really just wanted early access to the cornbread, but that’s just my opinion.

At high noon, Sabrina Kepple, our esteemed Office Manager and Chili-Cook-Off Master of Ceremonies, kicked things off by announcing the rules and handing out scorecards along with those coveted tasting spoons.  Participating as a taster didn’t come cheap!  You had to make a cash donation as well as place a new, unwrapped toy in the Toys for Tots toy box.  WGS collected over 20 new, unused toys to donate as well as over $200 in cash contributions.

Now, on to the tasting….

The winner was WGS newest team member and Senior Quality Assurance Manager, Rob Lazorchak.  Rob presented a flavorful chili that was rich in color and had just the right amount of heat.  But I think it was the secret ingredient that sent him over the top.  What was it?  Sweet yellow corn!  Who would have thought?

WGS Systems has been a proud sponsor of Toys for Tots in the past and looks forward to supporting them for years to come.  Congratulations Rob – enjoy that prized possession – the Chili Pot Trophy!