JOE DEFRATES MEMORIAL ICS REGIONAL
The American Center in Springfield, IL. was again the setting for the Joe DeFrates Memorial Regional produce by the Springfield Ansar Shrine and the Springfield Scottish Rite.
These two combine there efforts to put on a great tribute to one of Springfield finest gentleman, Mr. Chilli Man Chili himself, Joe DeFrates, and to raise monies for two very worthy charities. Shriners Children’s Hospital - St. Louis and 32 Masonic Learning Center for Children - Springfield.
Joe owned his own chili company in Springfield for over 25 years and was an avid Shriner as well as a Philanthropist, Organizer, and an all around Gentleman. Joe always had a smile and warm greeting for everyone he came in contact with. He was a well known fixture in the community. To many of the chili people, he was known as the only person to win both the International and the World’s Chili Championships.
These he accomplished in 1973 and 1975.
A “Big” Thank You goes out to Danny Coker (Chairman) and to all the Shriners and Scottish Rite members for all there volunteer work and efforts for this fine event.
Last year they raised over $12,000 for these two charities. This year, while it is too soon tell, it appears that the funds to the charities will top $15,000. Everyone - Cooks, Judges, Volunteers, Members, Sponsors, and to the public participation,
Please……….Take a bow !
OK…..to the cookoff winners.
SALSA 11 contestants - 11 judges
3rd = Mike Goodman 6 pts (Pewuakee, WI.)
2nd = Jill Goldberg 6 pts (Madison, WI.) won tie break (New ICS member and first time cook)
1st = Lloyd Weir 8 pts (Urbana, IL.)
VERDE 10 contestants - 12 judges
HM = Todd Finn
3rd = Jim Weller 9 pts (Rockton, IL.)
2nd = Rocky Bundy 11 pts (Decatur, IL.) (New ICS member and first time cook)
1st = Paul Wessing 13 pts (Farmersville, IL.)
RED 31 contestants - 27 judges
(3 way tie for 1st Place)
3rd = “Aldo” Klinghammer 11 pts (Taylorville, IL.)
2nd = Jim Weller 11 pts (Rockton, IL.)
1st = Dearl Thomas 11 pts (Clinton, IL.)
As you can see we had some very close judging in all categories as well as some very good winners. Everyone had a great time enjoying the Chili, NASCAR Races, Drawings, Prizes, and the Friendship of the day.
Congratulations to all the contestants………They are all winners !
Bob Hall
