Duke Smyser (1941-2006): An Air Force veteran and Purdue University graduate, Duke moved his family to Lafayette, IN in 1970 to begin a career as a computer programmer at Purdue National Bank, Duke was the Senior Vice President of Operations when he retired. Duke stayed with PNB through the company’s change into Bank One and then Chase Bank. A John Purdue Club member, Duke was active in his support of local charities. He continued his support even after his retirement and move to South Carolina in 1996.
Chili Blast Charities, Inc.: Incorporated August 7, 2007, CBCI achieved tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 organization on October 31, 2007. No donor funds were used on the expenses incurred during the charter process. All legal expenses were paid by the Smyser family.
CBCI mission: To raise funds to be used for the purpose of placing life saving AED’s with non-profit organizations throughout Tippecanoe and surrounding counties. To date we have placed over a dozen AED’s with various organizations.
Chili Blast Open: Annual golf tournament and chili dinner. DSCBO is set up so that the casual golfer as well as the serious golfer will have an enjoyable time. Performance prizes include team and individual awards. The majority of prizes are awarded by raffle ensuring that all golfers have a chance to win a nice prize. Prizes include big ticket items for a hole-in-one and a raffle prize of a free use of a condo in Hilton Head Island, SC as well as various certificates and merchandise donated by local businesses.
Chili Blast history: Traditionally held the Friday before the first Purdue home football game as a fall party hosted by Duke and Karen, the chili blast was an outdoor affair with chili cooked in a huge cauldron. What started out early in the evening as a fairly normal pot of chili was anything but normal after dozens of “cooks” had a turn tending the pot. (Hence, the mushroom cloud in the logo!).
Duke was adamant about not wanting a funeral upon his death. In an effort to respect his wish after his passing, it was decided to have a party in his honor. It was obvious that the only kind of party that would do was a “chili blast”. In 2006 a dinner only Chili Blast was held in Charleston, SC for the many friends he had made since his move to Charleston as well as a golf/dinner Chili Blast in Lafayette. That first Chili Blast was an invitation only affair with all expenses paid by the family. Volunteer donations were accepted and over $3,000 was raised for Habitat for Humanity. The feedback from attendees was so overwhelmingly positive that it was decided to make the DSCBO an annual event. In 2007 the Duke Smyser Chili Blast Open in its current form was born.
Since its inception Chili Blast Charities has provided more than $15,000 in assistance to this Heartfelt effort contriguting to the following organizations:
2008
Carroll County Sheriff’s Department (two AEDs)
2009
Clarks Hill Fire Department
Harrison High School Student Success Center
Lafayette Youth Baseball
Tippecanoe Township Volunteer Fire Department
West Point Volunteer Fire Department
Wolcott Ambulance Service
2010
Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department (two AEDs)
Chalmers Community Volunteer Fire Department
Lafayette Police Department
Mental Health America of Tippecanoe County
West Lafayette Community School Corporation
Board of Directors
Karen Wlodarski - President
Tag Smyser - Treasurer
Laura Buit - Secratary
Pamela Crowell - Event Promotions Coordinator
Del Smyser - Director of Operations
