Xcel Energy Chili Cookoff Benefits United Way
Xcel Energy hosted its annual chili cookoff in Eau Claire, with all proceeds going to United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Xcel Energy hosted its annual chili cookoff benefit event in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. All proceeds raised were donated to United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley.
Why it matters
The event supports United Way's work in the Greater Chippewa Valley region through local fundraising. Xcel Energy has partnered with United Way through annual giving campaigns and employee events.
Admission to sample recipes cost $5 and twelve teams competed for the People's Choice Award. In recent years, the event has raised over $2,500 for United Way, though the 2026 total was not disclosed.
The players
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy is a regulated electric and natural gas utility holding company serving customers across several Midwestern and Western states.
United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley
United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley is a local nonprofit that funds health, education, and financial stability programs in western Wisconsin.
The details
Attendees tasted chili recipes submitted by teams and judges reviewed the entries alongside a People's Choice Award vote. All proceeds from the event were directed to United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Xcel Energy hosted its annual chili cookoff benefit event.
In recent years: The event raised over $2,500 for United Way.
Philanthropy Pipeline
Corporate employee-engagement events such as this cookoff are a recurring part of the annual giving campaign run by the Greater Chippewa Valley United Way affiliate. The approach pairs company sponsorship with community participation to direct local dollars toward regional social services.
Residents who want to support local services can attend similar community fundraisers or give through United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley. Event admission and proceeds show how small contributions add up across the region's annual campaigns.
The takeaway
Community fundraisers like this one show how workplace partnerships can channel local dollars toward regional nonprofits. Readers interested in giving can check with United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley about current campaigns.
Further reading
Explore more local giving stories in Philanthropy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Weau.
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