FARGO, N.D. – On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Holiday Inn in downtown Fargo became a culinary arena as thirteen local eateries faced off in the third annual “Cheesy for Charity” mac‑and‑cheese cook‑off. The event, organized to benefit United Way of Cass‑Clay, combined friendly competition with community service, inviting diners to sample each entry and cast a vote for their favorite dish.
How the competition works
Each participating restaurant prepared its own signature mac‑and‑cheese, ranging from classic cheddar to creative twists featuring bacon, jalapeño, and even a sweet‑savory pumpkin variation. Guests received a “voting noodle” – a small, edible token – to place in the ballot box after tasting. For those who wanted to support the cause even further, a $5 donation bought a second vote and sent a boxed portion of the winning dish to a local food shelf.
Fund‑raising goals and early results
Holiday Inn General Manager Mike Prekel noted that the event raised about $2,300 last year. This year’s target is $3,000, a modest increase that reflects both the growing popularity of the cook‑off and the community’s desire to help families in need. “It became a thing for us in trying not only to serve the community but serve some people within our hotel that take part in some of the services that United Way offers,” Prekel said.
Community impact
United Way of Cass‑Clay uses donations to fund programs that address food insecurity, early childhood education, and workforce development across the region. By linking a beloved comfort food with a charitable cause, the cook‑off provides a tangible way for Fargo residents to contribute to those efforts while enjoying a night out.
Who won last year?
Last year’s champion, Oxbow, sat out this year’s competition, leaving the title wide open for a new winner. The absence of the defending champion added an extra layer of excitement, as each participating kitchen saw a real chance to claim the coveted “Cheesy Champion” trophy.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the event will continue to grow, both in the number of participating restaurants and in the amount of money raised for United Way. The Holiday Inn plans to keep the cook‑off as an annual tradition, reinforcing Fargo’s reputation for community‑focused events that bring together local businesses, families, and charitable organizations.
For those who missed the evening, United Way of Cass‑Clay encourages additional donations through its website, and the Holiday Inn invites the public to attend next year’s cook‑off, promising more inventive recipes and a continued commitment to serving those in need.
Original reporting: InForum (Fargo section) — read the source article.
