Shawnee DA Wins Crime Stoppers Chili Cook-Off

The district attorney's office claimed the title for a fourth straight year at the annual fundraiser held at Washburn University.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Screen-print poster illustration of a large cast-iron chili pot and ladle on a tabletop in warm mustard and rust tones, evoking a community fundraiser. — Shawnee County District Attorney's office won the Crime Stoppers chili cook-off for a fourth straight year at Washburn University, with proceeds funding anonymous tip rewards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Shawnee County Crime Stoppers held its annual chili cook-off fundraiser at Washburn University on Friday, Nov. 6. The Shawnee County District Attorney's office won the competition for the fourth year in a row.

Why it matters

Proceeds from the event fund rewards for anonymous tips that help law enforcement solve crimes in Topeka and across Shawnee County. Crime Stoppers tips have contributed to solving cold cases and unsolved murders.

Attendees paid $10 to sample all 14 chilies entered by teams from the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, Topeka Police Department, and other agencies. The total funds raised were not disclosed.

The players

Shawnee County Crime Stoppers

A community crime-tip program that offers rewards for anonymous information leading to arrests and case resolutions in Shawnee County, Kansas.

Shawnee County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial office serving Shawnee County, Kansas, which won the chili cook-off for the fourth consecutive year.

The details

Teams from the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, the Topeka Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies prepared chili and competed in the cook-off at Washburn University. Attendees sampled all entries for a single $10 admission.

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026: Shawnee County Crime Stoppers holds its annual chili cook-off fundraiser at Washburn University.

Philanthropy Context

Crime Stoppers programs rely on community donations and fundraisers to finance anonymous tip rewards, a model that has supported case resolutions in Topeka and Shawnee County. This cook-off applies that funding approach through a public event that draws law enforcement teams and residents together.

Residents who attend or donate to Crime Stoppers fundraisers directly support rewards for anonymous tips that help solve crimes. Community members can submit tips anonymously to contribute to case resolutions in Topeka and Shawnee County.

The takeaway

Community fundraisers like this one provide direct financial support for anonymous crime-tip rewards that help law enforcement close cases. Supporting or using local Crime Stoppers programs is a practical way for residents to contribute to public safety.