This year’s Maplewood Chili Cookoff was a sizzling success, raising over $26,000 for MEND! A big thank you to all the talented chefs, enthusiastic judges, and everyone who joined us to support this fantastic cause.

A special shoutout to our Lead “Cayenne” Sponsors: The Elizabeth Winterbottom Team, The GenWealth Group, and Weekday School, as well as our Jalapeno Sponsors: The Able Baker, BCB Bank, Kitchen Table, MSO Homes, Pollock Properties Group, and South Mountain YMCA. We also appreciate our in-kind sponsors: Java’s Compost and Toth Electric. Your generous contributions help us continue our mission!

This year, 400 voters tasted their way through 38 mouth-watering chilis. Here are the winners:

Meat Category:

• 1st Place: Austin Chili Limits, #14 (James McDuffee & Jen Grady)
• 2nd: Herb & Mark’s Smoked Brisket, #5 (Herb Grice & Marc Dennison)
• 3rd: Maneater, #20 (Gene Mollica & Dael Oates)
• 4th: The Eagles Smoked the Chiefs, #7 (Jeff Wolfe)
• 5th: Chile de Cordero #25 (Brendan Cunningham)

Veggie Category:

• 1st Place: Come Catch A Vibe Part 3, Chili F (Jermain Hatcher)
• 2nd: Silence of the Yams, Chili B (Michael Schwartz & Rob Liano)
• 3rd: Yamalamading-dong, Chili E (Matthew Trokenheim)

Kids Category:

• 1st Place: Wonderful White Bean (Mila and Norah Rodgers)
• 2nd: McCrackaTarry (Ali McCracken & Lucas Tarry)

Chef’s Choice Awards:

• Chef’s Favorite: Sweet, Spicy, Smoky, #28 (Jarron Smith)
• Most Creative: Wonderful White Bean (Mila and Norah Rodgers)

Thank you to all who made this event unforgettable. Your support makes a difference in our community!