Community

Winner of the Chili Cook-off at the Rock Bottom Brewery in Orland Park to Compete in the Firefighters Cook-off at BIG Event 2012


Area Firefighters Help Raise Funds and Awareness for People with Disabilities at 115 Bourbon Street on April 28th.

Alsip, IL—(ENEWSPF)—April 18, 2012.  Firefighter Bob Hopper, from the Lombard Fire Department, was recently named champion of 2012 Fire Chief Ale Chili Cook-off at Rock Bottom Brewery in Orland Park. Hopper to once again showcase his culinary talents as he heats things up at Sertoma Center’s BIG Event on Saturday, April 28th, 2012 with entries in the chili and poultry divisions.   

“I enjoy fire department related activities, anything to do with food and helping charities, its fun and that’s why I compete,” Hopper said.  Fellow firefighter Mark Sepe, also from the Lombard Firehouse, will challenge the competition with his famous Italian meat balls.   

Other chefs include Chicago firefighters Karl Graff and Brad Batka, Riverdale firefighter Dennis Malloy, Blue Island firefighters Ken Dompeling and Joe Dinovo, Lemont firefighter Fred Heller and Niles firefighters Jim Leibach and Steve Zook.  Dishes include everything from ribs and crab cakes to southern style BBQ and jambalaya. 

Firehouse chefs from across the Chicagoland area are always the star of the Sertoma Centre’s BIG Event as they fiercely compete for the title of Best Firehouse Chef in the categories of ribs, poultry, and chili and ethnic dishes.

Sponsored by SouthtownStar Newspaper and the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation, attendees can sample the food as celebrity judges select the best firefighter chefs in the competition. 

Dave Fleming the magician and juggler will perform on stage at 6:30 pm and live music will be provided by Sound Barrier.  There are raffles and fun for the entire family. Please mark your calendar and join us on Saturday April 28th, from 5 – 9 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, Ill.  Guests can also play on a video gaming station from Game Pazzo, the world’s largest gaming facility in Downers Grove, IL.

Ticket prices are the same low price as the last year.  Adults $10 for entry fee donation/food sample tickets, children 12 & under $5, children under 3, free.  Proceeds from the event benefit the almost 700 individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Centre, Inc. 

For more information, call 708-730-6206 or go to www.sertomacentre.org. Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness.


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