Chili fans around campus need to get ready to taste some of the best in Norman. Not only will about 600 chili lovers benefit from scarfing down 20 varieties of all-you-can-eat chili, but so will the United Way of Norman.

The Gamma Phi Beta Chili Cook-off is from 5 to 8 tonight at its sorority house, 1105 S. College Ave.

Stacy Randall, philanthropy chair, said about 20 varieties of chili will be available for tasting. Since the cook-off is a competition, trophies will be awarded for the spiciest, best and worst chili and for most participation, she said.

"We invited celebrity judges to vote in these categories," Randall said. "The executive director of the United Way, manager of Classic '50s and some faculty members are among the judges who help rank the chili."

Randall said she is expecting 600 people to attend and is hoping to raise almost $3,000. She said each of the participants paid an entry fee of $40 and are required to bring around four gallons of chili each.

"One hundred percent of the money raised will go to the United Way of Norman," she said. "It's our main philanthropy for the year, although we do have smaller ones year-round."

Adrianne Lippman, president of Gamma Phi Beta, said the best thing about the Chili Cook-off is that all the money raised remains within the Norman community.

"I'm sure everyone has seen the thermometer signs the United Way has placed along the road to track donations," Lippman said. "It's good for Norman residents to be able to see the results of the money raised."

Lippman said her sorority sisters look forward to this event each year. Most of the 200 members are involved in planning, she said.

"It's one of the most exciting times of the year for us," Lippman said. "Everyone has a role to help out, whether they are coaches for the participants, or help advertise the event, or set up tables and make signs."

Lippman said attending is a great way of giving back to the community. The wide varieties of chili are a close second.

"There is something for everyone," she said. "We've had vegetarian chili, chicken chili and extremely hot and spicy varieties. We're always surprised by some of the types of chili organizations make."

Randall said primarily greeks, faculty members, families and others involved on campus attend the cook-off, but the invitation is open to the entire OU and Norman community.

"It's fun to try all of the chili," Randall said, "but most importantly it benefits a great local organization."

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $4 from any member of Gamma Phi Beta or at the sorority house. They can be purchased for $5 at the door.
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