'Incredible' Generosity Overshadows Dominate Chowdah Challenge Wins

The 401 Tavern rode the strength of two out-of-the-ordinary chowders to an unprecedented sweep at the sixth annual , held recently by Professional Firefighters of Hampton Local 2664 at .

Dan "Desi" Lanio, owner of the 401, said his business' won the judges' first place award for its "Chicken-Corn Curry Mango" chowder, while the "Alligator Bayou (Hot) Chowder" won the People's Choice Award. The business was awarded a highly-sought-after chowder bowl trophy, made by Great Bay Pottery, for each of the wins.

Lanio said that was the first time one participant has won both categories, a honor of which he said he was proud. He said he was more proud, though, of the fact that his participation also meant he helped raise money for the , a non-profit source for burn research grants and the sponsor of the IAFF Children’s Burn Camp.

The overall level of participation and support of the cause is something that Jason Newman, a and vice president of Local 2664, said really struck him, as the event raised over $1,800 for the cause.

That number is more than double the amount raised even though the turnout was roughly the same. Newman said the "remarkable" difference had to do with the "incredible" level of generosity, especially when it came time to auction off a special double-handled Great Bay Pottery chowder bowl.

Newman said the bidding started at $25 and jumped several times to $50 before the night's 50/50 raffle winner pledged her $154 in winnings for the "desirable" stylized bowl. Lanio then won the auction after putting in $401, an impressive pledge that didn't deter the 50/50 winner from still donating her winnings to the Burn Foundation after the auction ended — something Newman said made him "ecstatic."

"There were some pretty generous people," said Newman. "It was just a blast and a great time. The whole mood was pretty exciting, and to see everyone happy and having good time for a great cause was awesome."

Newman also said he wanted to thank all the businesses who donated raffle prizes or contributed to the event in some way, including: McGuirks, the 401 Tavern, , , , , , Great Bay Pottery, The Tuna Striker Pub, Eastman's Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching, , , and .

Newman said everyone in the firefighters' union is "ecstatic about doing these community events" because they're "fun" for everyone involved and because "they're also great for a community builder."

Newman said the union is helping with several upcoming events, including the obstacle course-filled Field Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, on Sunday, and a school picnic on Monday as a part of the Firefighters and Students Together (FAST) program.