The 2006 Capitol Market Green Chili Shootout successfully raised $2,500 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, an increase of over $700 from 2005. The event was sponsored by The Manahan Group.

The event featured some of the world’s best chiliheads (cooks) as well as the reigning World Verdi (Green) Chili Champion. Many of the cooks have competed at the World’s Championship Chili Cookoff.

The St. Patrick’s Day celebration is also the largest sanctioned Green Chili cook-off in the country. The winner received $1,000 in cash and an automatic berth to the World Championships in October.

“We are very honored to be the lead sponsor for this event,” said George Manahan, CEO of The Manahan Group, “and to be able to help support breast cancer research.”

Jeff Netser of Seymour, Indiana, attended the Green Chili event and cooked his World Championship-winning recipe, a southwest blend of pork, green chilies, jalapeno and habaneras.

The Green Chili Shootout also featured green adult beverages, live music performed by the Carpenter Ants, Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream, and face painting for the kids.

In addition, Capitol Market vendor Holl’s Chocolate created an exclusive Chocolate Chili Truffle for the event.

O’Guapo, an Irish chili pepper, made his first appearance as the event’s mascot.