By Brian Howe

ThinkTank Coaching

Business & Life Coaching

 

For nearly thirty-five years, The Great Atlanta Miller Lite Chili Cookoff (and now a BBQ program) has been held each fall in the metro area, the last two being in Conyers at the Georgia International Horse Park.

My wife Lynn and I have been participating for almost all of those, missing only a few due to ill youngsters and other situations, making gallons of my chili and her Brunswick stew to give small samples to the masses of people attending.

It’s hard work, but also a lot of fun and over the years, we’ve come to rely heavily on our team, who help out tremendously.  Yes, I’ve won a few trophies, but never the #1 slot (the best I ever earned was 3rd), so we enter to have a good time and maybe I’ll hit on a special batch that’ll tip the scales to top honors.  But just remember – there’s always next year – usually the first Saturday in October.

Now, mind you there are some crazy folks who spend the night at the park, carrying on with what tends to be a pretty good sized “tailgate” party.  And the music plays loud and late into the wee hours, so it’s not for those who can’t live without a good night’s beauty sleep.

One of the best things about this event is that the fine Atlanta folks who distribute Miller Lite locally, donate 100% of the proceeds to Camp Twin Lakes (www.camptwinlakes.org/) a unique nonprofit organization in Georgia with campsites, day camps and hospital-based camp programs designed specifically for children typically ages 8-16, with serious illnesses, disabilities and life challenges.  These year-round facilities comprise three overnight campsites, as well as day camp programs in children’s hospitals and at other locations throughout Georgia.

So next year in the late spring, think about entering the contest if you fancy your own recipe and if not, before October rolls around, put it on your calendar to come out and enjoy the fun, eat some chili, stew, cornbread and BBQ. Oh, and help out a good cause!

www.theatlantachilicookoff.com/

Brian Howe is a professionally-trained executive, business and life coach, a Certified Mediator, a writer and speaker who owns ThinkTank Coaching.  He works with business people and professionals coaching and consulting with them on leadership, business growth, workforce performance, and career development.  He can be reached at (770) 922-6007 or via his website www.coachbrian.com.