United Way wins with grilling battle

By Diane Graff of the Daily Times staff
Monday, September 15, 2008 12:30 PM CDT

Watertown High School culinary class student Taylor Borgwardt turns chicken on a grill during Saturday's United We Cook grilling competition at Glenn's Market. The event helps kick off the United Way's annual campaign with proceeds benefiting the organization. (JOHN HART/Daily Times)

Despite the rain Saturday, the third annual “United We Cook” grilling competition was held as the kickoff celebration to the Watertown Area United Way campaign.

The United Way is the largest charity in the United States. The Watertown Area United Way is a nonprofit organization that helps fund 22 community agencies through employee contributions and direct donations.

Grilling and smoking of chicken breast, beef brisket, pork back ribs and pork butt were grilled all day long during the rain. The showers stopped in time for the taste judging part of the event.

About 100 people turned out for the taste testing to compare the variety of barbecued ribs, chicken and pork. Even some of the side dishes were critiqued by the participants. There was everything from jambalaya flavored entrees to hickory smoked ribs to chicken cordon bleu.

The top cooker for the beef brisket was Craig Schuler. He also took home the people's choice award.

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The top pulled pork butt entry was prepared by Steve Holtz, who also received the top award for the pork back ribs.

The top chicken breast was entered by the Pro Start 2 Watertown High School Culinary Management class led by Jolene Massuch.

There were eight teams of cookers. The teams and sponsors included Ken Goetsch and Mike Zhender sponsored by Zuern Building; Craig Schuler and daughter sponsored by Cheryl Henning American Family Insurance; Ralph Krueger sponsored by Town and Country Bank; Grandpa Grillers plus One, with Steve Holtz, Mike Schuenemann and Logan Richart, no sponsor; Leon Schwartz, no sponsor; Taylor Borgwardt, Celina Hinojosa, Samantha Meylor Pro Start 2 Watertown High School culinary management sponsor ISB Bank; and Jacob Gerard, Pro Start 1 WHS introduction to hospitality sponsored by ISB Bank.

Tom Merfeld, president of the Watertown Area United Way, has estimated Saturday's fund-raiser proceeds at about $2,000.

The board of directors has set its goal for the 2009 campaign at $127,000. Ninety-two percent of the contributions are given back to the community, including Watertown, Ixonia, Johnson Creek and Waterloo.

The grillers and smokers competition is one way the United Way organizers try to raise funds.