Firehouse hot chili, along with chocolate, fruity and vegetable recipes were on the menu at Asbury United Methodist, South Whitehall, March 16, for its annual chili cook-off.

Forty chili lovers from all across the Valley teamed up with Asbury church members to help support Lehigh County Conference of Churches.

The church conference offers a mentoring program for at-risk youth, a self-sufficiency program to help prevent homelessness and offers clients living below the federal poverty level free meals through its soup kitchen.

Several of the winners spoke with The Press after the cook-off.

People's Choice First Place Professional winner Mike Dontas of Copperhead Grille and Parkland Restaurant said this was his first year participating in the chili cook-off.

"We [my father Pantelis Dontas and I) learned about the event from Claire Wexler and being the fact it was in South Whitehall, we thought it would be a great way to be a part of something," Dontas said. "We are always looking to do something to talk to our customers or potential customers and help the community."

Woodlawn Fire Company volunteer firefighter Mike Hartman, who was the People's Choice Firehouse winner, said this was his first year participating in the cook-off.

"I decided to participate because I made my chili at the firehouse and the guys all liked it and Woodlawn Assistant Fire Chief Barry Search suggested I participate," Hartman said. "It was a great event, a great turn out and a great mix of chilies."

People's Choice Second Place Amateur winner Scott Kline of Coplay also said this was his first time entering the chili cook-off at Asbury.

"This was only the second time making chili," Kline said. "My chili is not hot, but big on flavor."

"I didn't even know about the cook-off. My wife Mary Beth signed me up then told me about it and I thought it was a great idea.

"It was a lot of fun. I don't regret it."

People's Choice First Place Amateur winner Stephanie Dillman of Bethlehem said this was the second year she and her husband Brian have participated in the cook-off.

They originally heard about the event at Asbury when they were working on a fundraising project "The Barn" in 2011 with their church, she said.

Dillman said she and her husband did not participate in the 2012 cook-off.

Her husband attended that event and decided he would participate this year.

"I think one of the main keys reasons why he wants to participate is Asbury raises money for good causes," Dillman said.

People's Choice Third Place Amateur winner Dick Brown said this was his fifth year particpating in the cook-off.

He has a good relationship with some of the members at Asbury, who keep him informed about the event.

"I decide to participate because every year it has presented a wonderful opportunity to help others," Brown said.

The Saturday evening fundraiser raised approximately $3,000 for Lehigh County Conference of Churches.