News

GAIF Officials Take Part in Chili Challenge

January 30, 2009

Ah, the smells of those fine traditional Irish foods, bangers, Irish stew, shepherd's pie, chili. Wait a minute, chili?

That's right, Great American Irish Festival Hospitality Chair Diane O'Donnell and GAIF Gaelic Mass Chairman Jim Sullivan will be teaming up to vie for the amateur division title at this year's American Red Cross 7th Annual Chili Challenge to be held on February 8, 2009. Sullivan and O'Donnell will be serving up "O'Chili" and promise that their entry will be worth the price of admission.

"Helping out the American Red Cross this way, by serving up some chili, is a pleasure and honor. Diane and I have come up with a prize winning recipe that will assure your votes," said Sullivan, coming dangerously close to guaranteeing a victory. "Be sure to save the date and your appetite because this chili event will be one to remember." His partner will be putting aside her Red Cross Blood Service Coordinator hat for the day to don a chef's cap and represent the Great American Irish Festival in the annual event.

"The Chili Challenge is a fun and delicious fundraising event in the Mohawk Valley," said O'Donnell. "As Hospitality Chair for the Great American Irish Fest, my job is to ensure a fresh and wonderful variety of food for sponsors, band members and committee members during the entire weekend of the festival. If we win the Chili Challenge we'll proudly serve up "O'Chili" in the hospitality venue this summer and add some 'spice' to the Irish Fest." The Chili Challenge will take place at the Herkimer VFW, 131 Mohawk Street, from Noon until 3 p.m. Admission is $10. All proceeds are for local use at The American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley.