Archive

2nd Chili Cook-Off coming Jan. 30

January 20, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Is there anything better on a cold, January day than steaming hot chili, live entertainment, and raising money for a good cause? Not according to the crew at Hogey’s Social Club, who are preparing to host their second annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser on January 30th.

The idea started off through a friendly discussion between Mayor Jeremy Williams and former local reporter, Bill Tremblay, who were boasting about their mad chili-making skills, particularly in light of the Super Bowl and traditional foods held during the sporting event. Mr. Tremblay put in a call to the social club to suggest the idea, and the Chili Cook-Off was born.

Last year’s event featured a number of ‘celebrity’ competitors, including representatives of local media, Mayor Williams, Police Chief Wayne Kalinski and other identifiable individuals from the area.

“There were probably about 60-80 people who showed up for the event, and we had 10 contestants,” said Richard Menard, who helps run Hogey’s Social Club. “We had two winners last year — Bill Tremblay won the Judges’ Choice award, and Chief Kalinski won People’s Choice. The Chief will be back to defend his title this year.”

The funds raised from last year’s event were used to help with the Logan’s Hope project, set up to help a young boy afford a surgery that would allow him to walk again. After several events were held in his honour, he was able to go through the surgery, and it was recently confirmed that he is starting to walk.

This year, the proceeds will go to Jace Spironello, a two-year old with XP 21 Deletion Syndrome. The money will help fund hydrotherapy treatment to help Jace walk, as well as to help fund other medical related expenses.

Alongside the Chili Cook-Off, Trevor Castiglione of Busted Knuckle Garage has launched a business challenge to help raise funds for Jace. Under Busted Knuckle, Mr. Castiglione made a $100 donation and is inviting other businesses in Orangeville to do the same.

A portion of the proceeds raised directly through the Chili Cook-Off will be given to Jace’s family, who have requested that part of that be donated to Erin Oak Kids, where Jace receives his therapy.

Hogey’s Social Club and their participants cover all of the costs involved in fundraising events, so that the portion of proceeds that are leftover are not used for overhead, but can be kept back for any other monetary needs throughout the year.

“The portion Hogey’s keeps from any fundraising event is utilized to help with other donations and community needs throughout the year,” explained Mr. Menard. “This way, our capability to help isn’t restricted solely by the need to have an event for each situation.”

This year, the Chili Cook-Off will be even bigger, as the hopes are for any event as it grows. Hogey’s Social Club announced the longterm commitment of their official Media Sponsor, Country 105, Shelburne’s new radio station. A member of their team will be joining the line-up of ‘celebrity’ chili-makers for the competition. Throughout the event, there will also be live entertainment provided by Dufferin County Line.

“The entry fee of $10 provides each person with free samples from all of our cooks, as well as the live entertainment,” said Mr. Menard. “This isn’t a come in, taste something and leave event. We want people to stay, hang out and have fun with it.”

The contestants this year include Mayor  Williams, Police Chief Kalinski, Town Councillor Don Kidd, Rod West (Country 105), Trevor Castiglione (Busted Knuckle Garage), Jason Miles (Orangeville & Area Information Forum), Tracy & Mike Haworth (Supersaverca Video Surveillance Systems), Dave McFadyen (Spensers Kids), Tabitha Wells (Orangeville Citizen) and Tammy Schneider (Snapd Dufferin).

Mr. Menard added that the contestants themselves are a large part of the fun, because they really get into the event.

“I think it’s just great, I like the smack talk between them all,” he said. “I enjoy seeing the contestants play off each other, and the time the people who are involved invest. They know it’s going for a worthy cause, and they support what we do. The support from both the contestants and the people who help out is just incredible.”

The 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off will be held on Saturday, January 30 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Hogey’s Social Club, located inside the Alder Street recreation centre. Admission is $10 per person.

By Tabitha Wells

Readers Comments (0)