VCU news

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department held its second annual Chili Challenge on Nov. 11 to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. 

A dozen cooks put their culinary skills to the test by entering their homemade chili into the competition.

For a $3 tasting fee, participants could taste all 12 entries and get a bowl of their favorite. The event raised $378 for Special Olympics.

Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration Pam Currey, Assistant Athletic Director Nathan Doughty, Head Basketball Coach Shaka Smart and Employee Health Services Director Frank Tortorella served as judges.

While prizes weren’t awarded to the competing cooks, bragging rights were on the line. The judges determined Police Chief John Venuti and Brendan Dwyer from the Center for Sports Leadership tied for first place.