Chili for Charity

Lifelong Ruidoso resident and firefighter Michael Friberg fondly recalls the chili cook-offs formerly  held downtown in unison with the Aspen Parade.  He misses the event but recognized an opportunity to generate funds for community programs by re-initiating the competition.  Thus, the First Annual Hook & Ladder Firefighter Chili Cook Off.

Firefighters from around the state as well as local chefs, families and businesses are invited to enter the competition. The event will be held on March 24th at Wingfield Park in downtown Ruidoso.  For an entry fee of $30, teams are provided a 10 X 10 area to set up their cooking booths.

In addition to the coveted “People’s Choice Award,” prizes will be given for first, second and third place winners.  Firefighter’s chili will be judged in its own specialty class, as firefighters from around New Mexico show up to battle it out for “Best Firefighter Chili in New Mexico.”“We’ve reached out to firefighters all over the state and are hoping our local residents come out to be part of the fun,” says Friberg.

Admission to the Chili Cook Off will be $10 for adults and children 10 years and older.  Once in the gate, guests can sample as many chili entries as they desire.

Friberg, who sits on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club, clarifies, “No one is making any money on this event. It’s all going back into the community.”  The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter and The Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Blanca are just two of the community organizations who will receive proceeds from the event.

“The Boys and Girls Club is slated to receive funding from this event and I’m pleased to see the Nest and other great community organizations that assist our youth and families benefit from what I know is going to be a great event,” said Tim Coughlin, Executive Director at the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Blanca.

In addition to the surplus of chili to sample, there will be engaging activities, including firefighter games, live music and a beer garden. Cooks will begin assembling their recipes at 8AM and serve the public at noon.  Friberg is in the process of assembling a panel of local restaurant owners and chefs who will judge the entries at 3PM.

To obtain an entry form or for additional information, please email michaelfriberg@ruidoso-nm.gov.  To learn more about the many activities and events involving the Nest, please “like” the HEAL & the Nest Domestic Violence Shelter on Facebook.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Nest is fortunate to have many friends in the business community. This week, we would like to extend a special thanks to Mountain High RV Park in Alto for their year round support of the Nest.  The toiletries, coloring books, blankets and diapers always seem to appear at just the right time. Thank you for adopting us as your Park’s charity!

Pictured is Ruidoso Firefighter Steve Gonzales in the Firehouse kitchen.