Sixteen Ball State University organizations will compete today while offering lunch-seekers an all-you-can-eat chili buffet in Public Relations Student Society of America's ninth annual Cardinal Chili Challenge.
Event recruiter Kait Buck said there were only nine or 10 teams last year, so this is a big improvement.
The teams are made up of two to six members of each organization and the judging will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the University Green. Some of the organizations include BSU Dance Marathon, Dehority Complex and University Apartments.
Executive director Sierra Green said local celebrities will judge the chili, including Miss Ball State Sarah Teegarden and WLBC disc jockey Steve Lindell.
After the judging is finished, the chili will be available for $4 in an all-you-can-eat lunch featuring all 16 types of chili.
"We got our chips and milk donated to us so when you think about it, all-you-can-eat chili for only $4 is much cheaper than eating lunch at the Atrium," Buck said. "Plus we've got 150 door prizes for students who stop by."
The chili prizes include a necklace donated from Ashcroft Jewelers and gift certificates to local restaurants.
"We've also got awards for the best overall, spiciest and most creative," Green said.
Buck said there will be cornhole games for students to play while enjoying the chili.
One aspect of the event was that teams had to come up with names for themselves. This year had quite the range of names submitted, including Charlie Con Carne and Chili Potters and the Chamber of Cardinals.
"This is our only fundraiser for the year, and it pays for all of our guest speakers, so we're hoping for a great turnout," Buck said.
There was a low turnout last year because the event was scheduled during Greek Week, she said. That's the case again this year, but PRSSA expects between 150 and 200 students to attend.
"We have sold around 10 or so pre-sale tickets in the Atrium on top of each of the teams," Green said. "Plus we're expecting lots of people to walk-in because of our door prizes and the all-you-can-eat lunch."
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