On a crisp November 11, 2025, evening, the Knights of Columbus Family of Man Council gathered for one of our most beloved traditions: the Dave Craven Memorial Chili Cook-Off. What started as a friendly competition years ago has grown into a heartfelt celebration of brotherhood, flavor, and community spirit.
This year’s event was bigger and spicier than ever, with Brothers stepping up to the stove to submit their finest chili recipes in honor of Brother Dave Craven—a man whose warmth, generosity, and love for a good bowl of chili continues to inspire us.
The Rules of the Cook-Off
No ordinary chili contest, this one follows a time-honored judging system that honors both craftsmanship and camaraderie.
Official Judging Panel
Four esteemed judges evaluated each entry:
- The Council Trustees
- Last year’s champion
Scoring Criteria
Each chili was judged on four key elements:
- Color – A rich, hearty appearance (with a little creative leeway allowed).
- Aroma – Must smell inviting; a good scent is the first hint of great taste.
- Consistency – The perfect balance of tender meat and smooth gravy. Not too dry, watery, grainy, lumpy, or greasy—just right.
- Taste – A harmonious blend of spices, heat, and depth. No single flavor should dominate.
The Brother’s Choice Award
Every council member (except the judges) played a role in the fun. Each received three voting tickets to distribute however they liked:
- All three on one favorite?
- One each to three standouts?
- Two for a top pick, one for a close second?
The chili with the most votes earned the coveted Brother’s Choice title—and those votes also counted toward the final overall ranking.
And the Winners Are…
After spoons were dipped, aromas savored, and ballots cast, the results were in!
🥇 1st Place: John Geraerdts
🥈 2nd Place: Ed Walsh
🥉 3rd Place: Dave Donnelly
🏆 Brother’s Choice: John Claman
Congratulations to our 2025 champions! John Geraerdts takes home the grand prize and the honor of defending his title next year.
A Special Thank You
A huge thank you to:
- All the Brothers who entered — your passion and creativity made this event unforgettable.
- Our judges, for their discerning palates and fair scoring.
- The setup and cleanup crews, who kept everything running smoothly.
Events like this remind us why we’re more than a council—we’re a family.
Mark Your Calendar!
The Dave Craven Memorial Chili Cook-Off will return in 2026. Start perfecting your recipe now—will you be the next champion?
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