Old Towne Businesses of Ridgeland Presents the 1st Annual 2023 Chili Cook Off

Friends, families, chili cooks, and connoisseurs are cordially invited to our 1st Annual Sunnybrook Chili Cook Off! Join us for a spicy day of food, fun, and to find out who will be crowned 2023 Chili Champion of Madsion County, all for one worthy cause.

Old Towne Businesses of Ridgeland has partnered with local charity Sunnybrook Children’s Home to announce the 1st Annual 2023 Sunnybrook Chili Cook Off! Enjoy a spicy day of food, prizes, and family fun in search of who can make the best chili in Madison County, all for a worthy cause. The event on Sunnybrook’s Campus, located at 222 Sunnybrook Rd., is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 18th from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and is open to the public. 

The 2023 Chili Cook Off serves as a fundraising initiative for Sunnybrook, bringing together Old Towne Businesses and families in our community that support and are empowered by a ministry that has successfully served the needs of Mississippi foster youth and young adults for six decades. Take advantage of our 2023 Chili Cook Off Sponsorship Packages now available as an opportunity to feature your business, with options ranging from title sponsors, logo display, event mentions and more opportunities to support the ministry. 

This event is not just about culinary competition; it's about coming together as a community to make a difference and contribute to a cause that truly matters. Attendees can look forward to:

• Chili Tasting: Sample a variety of chili recipes, from mild and flavorful to blazing hot, prepared by our talented Chili Teams.

• Sunnybrook Chili Champion: Cast your vote for the chili that tickles your taste buds the most and help determine who will be crowned ‘Sunnybrook Chili Champion’ for the title of best chili in Madison County!

"Caring for our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to stand alongside Sunnybrook in their mission to make a positive difference, one young adult at a time. We believe that by coming together and supporting this charity cook off, we can create a brighter future for a disadvantaged population in need," said Wint McGee, BOE Mortgage on behalf of Old Towne Businesses of Ridgeland.

Many of our youth aging out of the foster care system encounter obstacles on their journey to independence to no fault of their own. Without familial support, stability, or access to basic resources these young adults often struggle to maintain employment, secure housing, and pursue higher education.

Statistics published by the National Foster Youth Institute reveal that 20% of youth aging out of the foster care system will become homeless, 50% will not obtain gainful employment at 24 years of age and 7 out of 10 girls will become pregnant by the age of 24. Sadly, less than 3% will go on to earn a college degree.

McGee added, "Transitional programs like Sunnybrook are critical in meeting the needs of foster youth aging out of the system. Working with Sunnybrook and getting to know the staff on a personal level has been a truly rewarding experience. Their dedication is inspiring, and the results of Sunnybrook’s ministry speak for itself as they continue to exceed National benchmarks at remarkable rates.

Old Towne Businesses of Ridgeland is proud to be their partner in this inaugural Chili Cook Off, and we believe that together, we can help create a better future.”

Sunnybrook’s mission has always been to ensure every child and youth in Mississippi gets to experience the advantages associated with growing up in a healthy Christian family environment. To respond to growing disparities, the mission of Sunnybrook’s ministry today focuses on transitional living programs and interventions designed to provide stability and valuable resources for young adults aging out of foster care.

At Sunnybrook, these work-life programs support and assist young adults during their transition to adulthood, proving time and again to be the gift of a promising start. It’s an evidence-based approach that helps Sunnybrook residents navigate a critical phase of their lives by preparing foster care graduates for life and developing independence through education, job training, self-discipline, and a strong Christian foundation so they stand a chance at experiencing success.

"We are immensely grateful for the support we've received through this charity fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity of Old Towne Businesses of Ridgeland, our donors, and the hard work of our partners, we can continue our mission of providing a haven for vulnerable youth.

Fundraising initiatives like this Chili Cook Off truly make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. As a valued leader in our Ridgeland community, we thank Wint and our neighboring community for leading the charge towards creating a brighter future for these kids and, ultimately, for the City of Ridgeland,” said Ron Veazey, Director of Advancement at Sunnybrook.

Admission for the 2023 Chili Cook Off is $5 for Adults and FREE for kids 12 and under. All proceeds will directly benefit Sunnybrook Children’s Home.

“Don't miss this opportunity to have a blast while making a positive impact on our community. I’d encourage everyone to let’s come together, share a bowl of chili, and help Sunnybrook continue their important work,” said McGee.

If you are a chili aficionado and would like to showcase your culinary skills to compete for the title of ‘Sunnybrook Chili Champion’, we are now seeking participants for entry into our 2023 Cook Off! The deadline to enter your Chili Team and cook on-site is Friday, November 3.

To register to cook on-site, or for sponsorship inquiries, contact Wint McGee at wmcgee@boemortgage.com or call 601-906-7074.