A dozen brave and determined executives competed at their company’s third annual broccoli eating contest, “Broccoli for Babies,” in Jersey City Tuesday.
Designed to benefit the March of Dimes’ efforts to reduce the risk of infant mortality, employees of CIGNA HealthCare on Washington Boulevard gathered at their headquarters’ cafeteria at around noon to watch their bosses eat broccoli – lots of it.
A little more than 100 people were in attendance and the competitors all had their game faces on, ready to battle. There was a championship-like atmosphere in the lunchroom as the contestants were introduced to their spears.
“All you need is good strategy,” said last year’s winner, Federico Bunge, who did not compete this year. He said that next year, he would be around to defend his crown.
This year’s field was very competitive, according to CIGNA vice-president for public relations and contestant Patricia Caballero. The field included heavy favorites like existing business sales manager Phil Brick, vice-president for small segment sales Scott Ushkowitz, company president Kurt Weimer, and medical director Dr. Dan Nicoll.
After eating almost a pound of broccoli in the three minutes allotted during the competition, Nicoll won. He eclipsed the competition, and was given the victory belt and crown decorated with real broccoli. His secret for success was utilizing the water and butter provided with the broccoli, he said.
Next year, he will be happy to take on Bunge.
“We’re all associates here, and this shows our commitment to the March of Dimes,” Nicoll said. “It was fun.”
The March of Dimes raises money nationwide for research to combat birth defects. They said that research has found that foods rich in folic acid, such as broccoli and orange juice, help prevent neural tube birth defects. The contest raises awareness of the need for women of childbearing age to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, said North Jersey March of Dimes director Yvonne Ortiz-Haney.
Weimer said he has worked with March of Dimes executives for more than a decade. The event is a great way to give back to the local community, he said.
CIGNA employees had the opportunity to bet on the event. Those who picked the winner received a voucher for a free lunch.
The broccoli contest raises more than $1,000 for the March of Dimes, according to Ortiz-Haney. CIGNA HealthCare is the national health care sponsor of the March of Dimes WalkAmerica.
Over the past eight years, CIGNA and its employees have contributed $11 million nationally to support the March of Dimes cause.
The annual WalkAmerica event will take place on April 28, in several locations throughout the tri-state area. Locally, marchers will gather at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
For more information about the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, call (973) 882-0700 or visit them on the web at www.marchofdimes.com.