When bragging rights for “best firehouse chef” are on the line at an event, good food can be expected for attendees with appetites.
Such is the case with “The BIG Event” — which features a Firefighters’ Cook-Off and is the largest annual fundraiser held by Alsip-based Sertoma Centre, Inc., a nonprofit that aids those with disabilities, special events manager Lisa Molloy said.
“We try to not only raise funds at this event but awareness,” Molloy said. “A lot of people don’t even know who we are or what we do.”
The 11th annual benefit will help the agency continue to provide programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses in the Southland, Molloy said. She said day programs are available at two Alsip facilities and mental health services are offered at the Matteson facility.
Scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. May 2 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St., Merrionette Park, the event will be highlighted by about a dozen individuals or two-person teams of amateur chefs from Chicago-area firehouses competing for top honors in four food categories: chili, chicken, ribs, and ethnic or other foods.
Molloy said the competition recently was opened to all first responders, and openings still were available recently in the competition for bragging rights as “best firehouse chef.”
In addition to the “gigantic trophies” for each food category, a People’s Choice award will be given, she said.
Food samplings, a part of the program held from 5 to 8 p.m., are included in the price of admission. A $15 adult admission is good for 15 samplings, and a $10 child’s admission is good for 10 samplings, Molloy said.
The local American Heritage Sertoma Club will sell donated desserts, and Sertoma United, a self-advocacy group of individuals who receive Sertoma services, will enter a taco dip recipe in the cook-off competition, she said.
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The evening is a “family-centered event,” Molloy said, and includes children’s activities, including a face painter, strolling magician and games. A balloon artist/stilt-walker will be new entertainment this year, she said.
Live music will be provided by Audiomatic throughout the evening, performing “everything from the ’50s to the present day,” Molloy said.
Raffles include a $10,000 cash “BIG Raffle,” three split-the-pot raffles and a $10-per-ticket dog raffle with prizes worth $25 or more and a stuffed Dalmation puppy for every raffle ticket buyer.
Molloy said all proceeds from the event will help support those who use Sertoma’s services. She said the not-for-profit agency also provides 10 residential homes throughout the area and is in the process of building a 16-unit independent residence in Homewood.
“We are an organization that never turns anyone away because of financial constraints,” Molloy said. “The reason we have to do all these fundraisers throughout the year is there are financial gaps within the system and not all is covered through the government or grants. We definitely need some personal and corporate help.”
For more information, call (708) 371-9700. To volunteer, contact Laura Gardner at (708) 730-6211 or email [email protected].
Ginger Brashinger is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.