On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, Cooney & Conway held its inaugural Olympic Appetizer Charity Cook-off. The event, which was the brainchild of the newly formed Charity Committee, was inspired by the 2014 Winter Olympics. Participants were asked to create a dish whose origins could be traced to one of the countries participating in the Winter Olympics. The goal of the event was to raise funds to support the Chicago Chapter of the Special Olympics.
Of the nine entries that were submitted for judging, including Canadian fruit kabobs, shrimp remoulade from France, and Swedish meatballs, it was the spicy Jamaican jerk chicken wings that took home the Gold Medal prize! When asked how she came up with the idea for her winning wings, Julie Cunningham replied, “Who doesn’t think of Jamaica and the Winter Olympics, right?” Julie went on to say that her love of the jerk seasoning, which is a key ingredient to making the perfect Jamaican jerk chicken wings, began years ago, and that she often enjoys the Caribbean themed cuisine a few times a week. Taking home the Silver Medal were the Buffalo Chicken Nachos from the British West Indies, and the Greek Kalamata Olive Tapenade took home the Bronze Medal.
The Olympic Charity Cook-Off was a huge success! After raising $375, along with the firm’s matching contribution, Cooney & Conway donated $750 to the Chicago Chapter of the Special Olympics. This event marked the continued work of the Cooney & Conway Charity Committee, which was formed in January of this year, to create unique fundraising opportunities for the firm, and increase our awareness of various charitable organizations throughout the city. According to committee member Nancy Rangel, the Charity Committee will continue their fundraising efforts throughout the year. After the success of the Olympic cook-off, and the positive feedback from Cooney & Conway Partners and employees, the Committee is looking forward to bringing even more new and creative fundraising ideas to the firm.
