 The aroma of chili filled the air at the Sanford Event Center in Bemidji today and it was all for a good cause. For 26 years United Way Chili Cook Off has been a key event for the organization. 24 businesses and organizations got into the spirit of the competition by building sets and wearing costumes while serving up their best chili recipe. The United Way the Chili Cook Off is more than a fundraising event. It's not about the money as much as bringing the community together to watch really what is happening and that's the one thing about United Way that I'll say the generosity and the philanthropy is one thing to giving but it's the involvement of the community. So far the United Way Bemidji has raised over $164,000. Excellent start. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.