Mild, white bean, chicken, vegetable, chocolate and firehouse hot chili, along with red, fruity and green salsa recipes, were on the menu at Asbury United Methodist Church, South Whitehall, for its annual chili cook-off.

Professional chefs from nine restaurants, four fire departments and more than 27 chili and salsa lovers from across the Lehigh Valley teamed up March 15 with Asbury church members to raise money to buy a motorcycle for James Wymon, district lay leader for the United Methodist Church in Lofa County, Liberia.

Wymon, who walks everywhere, distributes Barrels of Love clothing, school supplies and funding for teachers, pastors and student scholarships in Lofa County.

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

Judges' Choice Chili Professional winner Mike Dantos and Katie Steele of Copperhead Grill and Parkland Restaurant said this was their second year participating in the cook-off.

Dantos said he learned about the event when Claire Wexler, from Asbury, asked them to participate again this year.

"We figured why not. It is a great way to meet people," Dantos said.

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

Hartman said the reason he decided to participate again this year is because he likes making chili.

Barry Search, assistant fire chief with Woodlawn, said he learned about the cook-off because he is a member of Asbury.

People's Choice First Place Amateur winner Dick Brown said this was his sixth year participating in the cook-off.

"It is a great way to help others and there is a gentleman in Liberia who needs our help," Brown said.

People's Choice Third Place Professional winner Steve Hagan, managing partner at Texas Roadhouse, said this was his second year cooking chili.

"I learned about the cook-off through an email I was sent asking us to come back and participate," Hagan said. "It is an awesome community-based event."

This also was the second year for Judges' Choice Salsa winner David Bell.

"I love to cook and the money is raised for a good cause," Bell said.

Bell said he and his wife, Marjorie, who was serving salsa, heard about the chili and salsa cook-off because they are members of Asbury.

The Saturday evening fundraiser raised $3,880 for Wymon.