OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – A chili cooking contest was held on Sunday to find some of the best local recipes and also help some animals in need.

Bare Bones Brewery in Oshkosh hosted the chili challenge and about 20 contestants showed up to compete for the coveted titles of Hottest Chili and Best Chili.

Organizers say voting was open to the public and a $20 donation gave guests access to unlimited chili samples and two beers to wash it down.

Patti Dringoli, the owner of the brewery, says the baking cause is very important. “We do this because we love raising money for Saving Sully Dog Rescue,” she explained.

“It’s a great way to get our name out there because we really need foster families right now. We are foster based, so having our name with a dog-based brewery helps us get our name out there,” said Amber Bose, Secretary of Saving Sully.

The Best Chili winners say this is their second time participating in the cooking contest and it was a wonderful experience to be back. “It feels really good. Lots of great peppers, lots of great people, lots of kind words. Everyone had wonderful produce,” Bob Dreikosen said.

Much of the proceeds from the event were donated to dog rescue. Bose says the funds will primarily be used for canine medical expenses.

“And [funds] will go towards heartworm cases, dogs that may need to be spayed or neutered, and dogs that have certain needs,” Bose added.