Don is the reigning Homestyle Chili World Champion.  He & his wife Karen are highly respected champion chili cooks and often cook in service to large crowds.  When they're not serving as Chief Judge and Scorekeeper for Chilly at the Lodge, they're probably cooking somewhere in the US for one reason or another.  Some of their regular events include:

• World Championship Chili Cook-Off

• Terlingua International Championship Chili Cook-Off

• Cowboys4Heroes, serving meals to active duty military, veterans, and their families at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood)

• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Horse Show Chuckwagon (Don is the Chairman)

• Mighty Oaks Foundation Warrior's Banquet

...and chili cook-offs all over the US.