Many enjoy Education Foundation chili cook-off
HUNTLEY — On a dreary early April afternoon, enjoying a small cup of chili, made by a total of 12 teams, was a good idea.
The Second Annual First Responders Chili Cook-off at Sew Hop’d Brewery and Tap Room in Huntley supported future endeavors of the Huntley Community School District 158 Education Foundation. About 250 people attended, according to organizers.
“It was definitely a success as we had the place packed and were able to raise funds for scholarships,” D158 Education Foundation event organizer Steve Lulofs said.
At the close of the voting April 7, it was repeat winners as Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Department won the first responders contest and the BBQ People’s Choice honor. Guvnor’s Smokin’ BBQ took home the open category title. There were eight competitors in the First Responders division and four others in the open category.
“It was a surprise this year because the competition was so tough. We worked on the chili for nine hours smoking the brisket. It was the same recipe as last year. We let our chili do the talking,” firefighter Brad Ali of Algonquin-LITH Fire Department said, celebrating with fellow firefighters Kevin Goers and Mark Bottlo.
Ken Hoving of Guvenor’s Smokin BBQ, a Hampshire resident, agreed with the fire department team.
“It was a lot tougher than last year because the competition was so much better,” Hoving said.
Next to Hoving’s table in the competition was the Illinois Conservation Police’s team, led by chef Tom Davis.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our cooking talents and connect with the community, which is the most important part of the job,” Davis said, and he offered many toppings for his chili.
“It’s a great cause to help the D158 Education Foundation,” said Huntley Police Officer Kevin Keane, who served up the chili of officer Brad Kepler. Another competitor, Sean Donohue of Huntley, said his group, also Dan Foote of Huntley and Joe Meyers of Round Lake, took weeks to make their chili.
“It’s been 12 weeks in the making. We have dry chili, chuck and pork shank,” Donohue said.
Participating First Responders agencies also were: Algonquin Police Department, Huntley Fire Department. Illinois Conservation Police, Illinois State Police, Kane and McHenry County Sheriff Offices.
Other open division competitors were Feel the Burn, MP BBQ and Stone Cold Cutters.
Judges for the contests were Huntley District 158 Superintendent Jessica Lombard; McHenry County Sheriff Robb Tadelman; Park Ridge firefighter Greg Garland and social media influencer Drew Garland.
Just before the awards presentation, Lulofs of D158 Education Foundation Board, who helped to organize the event, explained the Education Foundation’s purpose. About $40,000 has been raised to support scholarships and funded teacher classroom projects.
About D158 Education Foundation
The mission of the Huntley 158 Education Foundation is “advancing student and staff excellence to achieve their highest potential.”
“The D158 Education Foundation Board is comprised of 12 community volunteer members who bring valuable knowledge and skills to leading the overall strategic vision and operation of the Foundation,” President Rich Bobby said.
Bobby explained the D158 Education Foundation’s plans for this year.
“We’re giving up to $40,000 in student scholarships,” Bobby said. “In addition to funding student scholarships for all post-secondary opportunities, we’ve funded major student-driven projects such as an auto lift for Huntley High School’s autos coursework, robotics equipment for a middle school and many other special projects requested by Huntley 158 educators across the school district.”
He added, “our most notable Foundation fund-raising events include the annual Huntley Hootenanny 5K, Breakfast with Santa, and our annual D158 educator and employee’s recognition banquet, which is coming up on May 3. Our work isn’t possible without the support of our corporate sponsors, individual donors, volunteers, Village of Huntley, District 158 leadership, and the community at large.”
