From left: Denise Gates, Cedar Springs Regional Manager ChoiceOne Bank; Claire Guisfredi, Executive Director North Kent Community Services; Linda Anderson, Rockford Regional Manager ChoiceOne Bank

The Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff for North Kent Community Services raised close to $800 for the center last month. Over 500 chili enthusiasts attended the cook-off held at the Rockford Rotary Pavilion on February 9. The event was held in conjunction with the Rockford Ice Festival and was sponsored by ChoiceOne Bank.

“As the local community bank, we are committed to the families and businesses we serve in the Rockford community,” said James Bosserd, President and CEO of ChoiceOne Bank. “This is our second year of sponsoring this now annual event and it’s a perfect way for the bank and our employees to show our support and enthusiasm for the community and the events that truly promote Rockford’s community spirit. It’s a great event and a great time. And now an annual event!”

Those attending were able to taste and then cast their ballots for the People’s Choice award. The five judges that were selected for the event judged the other four categories. Eleven teams participated and prepared their chili on site. There were 4 award categories and winners:

• People’s Choice: Terry’s Lodge Chili

• Best Dressed Booth: Chilly Chilly Bang Bang

• Best Non-Red: Spicy Chicken Chili

• Rockford’s Best Chili: Terry’s Lodge Chili