While the weather may be cold outside, one college at Ohio State will be grabbing a warm bowl of chili on Friday to support the James Cancer Hospital.
OSU’s College of Pharmacy will host its 14th annual 2011 Chili Cook-off Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Nationwide Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.
“The idea came from the Academy of Student Pharmacists Executive Committee in 1997,” said James McAuley, associate professor for the College of Pharmacy.
The students wanted to conduct a fundraiser in Fall Quarter and because it would be cold outside, chili was decided to be the best food choice, McAuley said.
There will be 36 different chilies featured ranging from Amazin’ Blazin,’ Amoxichillin, Heart Healthy Chili to Fire in the Hole, for all taste buds.
Rachel Hipp, a second-year in pharmacy, said the chili cook-off is an event that brings together the medical caregivers, the cancer patients, survivors and all those who support those affected by cancer.
“This event stands for ‘hope.’ We would like the money we raise to bring hope to the cancer patients, as well as the researchers and medical team working on a cancer cure,” Hipp said. “It brings many people together from the entire campus and the outlying community to bring awareness of the ‘hope’ we have for a cure for cancer.”
In previous years the event has raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Hope Street Kids and the James Cancer Hospital. This year’s benefits will be given to the James Cancer Hospital for the second consecutive year.
Khanh Le, a third-year in biology and pre-pharmacy and one of the chili chairs, said they decided to donate to the James because they wanted to give back to the medical center where the pharmacy students are involved through their experimental, volunteer, and internship programs.
“It is a great opportunity for our students to learn about cancer treatments and how pharmacists are involved in cancer patient therapy,” Le said. “We want to make a difference.”
Along with the chili, there will be a silent auction with more than $3,000 worth of giveaways, ‘A Face to Fight Cancer Video,’ health care screenings, two guest patients from the James and more.
Jennifer Whetstone, senior lecturer for the college of pharmacy and chili cook-off event adviser, said there would be 12 awards for the night with the best chili receiving the highest award, the People’s Choice Award.
Last year, the cook-off raised $14,627 for the James.
The Goddard School is sponsoring an expanded kids activity area where there will be food for kids and those who do not enjoy chili as much as others, Whetstone said.
“This event supports the notion of ‘One Ohio State.’ It brings together the students, faculty, staff and their families to a fundraising event that is truly fun,” McAuley said. “It is certainly not limited to the College of Pharmacy family. Folks from the medical center, main campus, the community and more come to this long-standing and special event.”
