Chili cook-offs for charity normally don't get so competitive that firms start making trash talking videos before the event, but among these creative competitors it happened.

A business in Columbia's Gateway Drive brought together its colleagues on Friday afternoon to showcase their culinary skills, but more importantly, to raise money for charity.

Over 45 gallons of chili were made and $13,500 was raised to benefit the Howard County Food Bank, according to ADG|Creative, one of the participating businesses and organizers.

"We invited firms that we knew had a heritage of giving back to the community and they rose to the occasion—with their financial gift and with awesome chili!" said Jeff Antkowiak, chief creative officer of ADG.

Praxis Engineering's "Victoria Statin Farm-Fresh Free-Range 5-Star Chili" was declared the winner.

Judges included Dr. Clarence Lam of the Howard County Community Action Council, Jason Routzahn, sous chef at Victoria Gastro Pub, Wayne and Kaydian Bennett, owners of Bennett's Grill Food Truck and Joe and Mary Barbera, owners of AIDA Bistro.

Participating businesses included Basis Technology, Ciena, CollabraSpace, Freedom Consulting Group, OPSConsulting, Proteus Technologies, Sage Management and ADG|Creative.

“We’re already looking forward to next year’s Chili-4-Charity. We’ll be going all out… hotter chili, more music, and hopefully bigger proceeds for the community around us.” said Antkowiak.

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