The 14th annual MNP Chili challenge took place today at the Herman Prior Centre in Portage la Prairie. MNP manager Diane Robertson says the challenge ended in a unique way.

"It's a first. A tie. So, 49 votes each for Portage ARC Industries and the Hospital Foundation. It just goes to show you every vote can count."

Roberston says the turnout was great - 265 tickets were sold. She says they managed to raise $3,172 for Canadian Mental Health Association – Central, which is $127 more than last year.

Mitch TilkCanadian Mental Health Association Central Region spokesperson Mitch Tilk says they're the charity of choice this year, and outlines where the money will go.

"It's really going to go a long way. My boss said it's going to go toward the club house, which is the drop-in centre that we run for people who want to come in and warm up, and have some coffee."

Deana DurandPortage ARC Industries representative Deana Durand says it was awesome to share the winning spot. She shares what actually was the winning factor key.

"It was just a recipe we had, but team work is what pulled it off."

Hospital Foundation executive director Erin Miller says it was wonderful to notice the pattern between the challenges over the last three years.

"In 2014 MNP chose the Portage and District General hospital as the charity of choice that year. We won the best chili and we were also the recipient of the money. ARC Industries won by one vote last year and this year we're tied."