4th Annual Novato Youth Chili Academy Cook-Off a Fiery Success!

250 supporters showed up for a fiery chili competition between firefighters and kids chefs on March 2nd at the 4th annual Novato Youth Chili Academy Cook-off. $20,000 was raised to support critical youth programming at the Novato Youth Center (NYC) and Novato Fire Foundation (NFF). NCTV captured the spirit of this youth development event in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIpft92P-Sw&feature=youtu.be.

Executive Chef Marv Blandon and his team of Novato Fire Chili Company Chefs taught the kids food handling skills, creating a tasty chili recipe, and promoting their chili to the public. The esteemed judging panel had the difficult task of selecting the award winners. Drum roll please… People's Choice Award “The Soccer Trio”; Most Creative Award “The JDJ’s”; Judge’s Choice “The B.E.A.’s”; and Best Presentation “The Cry Babies”.

This event was possible due to the generosity of our sponsors, raffle and in-kind donors. Special thanks to 5-Alarm sponsor Pacific Gas and Electric; 3-Alarm sponsor W. Bradley Electric; and 1-Alarm sponsors: Ghirardo CPA, SF Fire Credit Union, Bank of Marin, CCK (Cameron Coffey & Kaye), Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Umqua Bank. In-kind sponsors: The Goode Company, Harvest Market, Inn Marin, Marin IJ, NCTV, Stemple Creek Ranch, and Zenith Instant Printing. Over $3,500 in raffle prizes were won.

This community partnership between the NYC and NFF is both a friend and fund raiser. When asked what the special ingredient is for this successful event, Novato Youth Center Executive Director Cheryl Paddack credits the community collaboration. “This event captures the essence of Novato’s ability for our community to come together and support youth-in-need. More kids will be able to access programs like the NYC’s Sparks Enrichment Program and the NFF’s Fire Squirts, learn how to work on a team effectively, build their self-confidence and leadership skills, and much more.”

“This year we were fortunate to have the Novato Chamber’s Leadership Team Air help promote the event” stated Novato Fire Foundation Executive Director Erich Mesenburg. “We are thankful to our contributors, Novato residents and community leaders for taking time to support this important event so that all kids in Novato have the opportunity to succeed.” Please visit www.novatoyouthcenter.org and www.novatofirefoundation.org for more information about these local Novato-based nonprofits.

Details behind the Village that Made this Event Possible:
Novato Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Novato “Team Air”: Molly Foley, Yancy Hawkins, Selin Kaapalouis, Matt McCaffrey.

People's Choice Team: “The Soccer Trio” with Chef Marc Teldeschi and students Eric Flores, Axel Guerrero, Jason Ramos.
Most Creative Team: “The JDJ’s” with Chef Doug Fernandez and students Destiny Isaac, Jakayla McKee, Jessie Solano.
Judge’s Choice Team: “The B.E.A.’s” with Chefs Nick Zagaris, Bailey Pontius and students Emily May-ku, Ashley Pena, Brenda Topete.
Best Presentation Team: “The Cry Babies” with Chef Owen Valuch and students Jordan Antunes-Anderson, Shaylin Gramajo, Jaden Lapic, Mia Reategui.

Esteemed Judges Panel: Denise Athas, Mayor, City of Novato; Andrei Jigalin, Board President, Novato Youth Center; Jim Larson, Sinaloa Middle School Principal, NUSD; Jeanne MacLeamy, Novato Citizen of the Year; Steve Metcho, Board President, Novato Fire District; and 5-Alarm sponsor Mark Van Gorder, Public Affairs, PG&E

Novato Youth Center Planning Team: Cheryl Paddack (Executive Director), Ruthie Ament (Program Manager), Anne Varner (Assistant Manager), Trelasa Baratta (Lead Teacher), Vanshika Nachnani, Josh Reed, Alicia Yepez. Marketing & Development Committee: Karen Dillon Gifford and Karen Robertson Strain (co-chairs), Susan Lauer, Rafelina Maglio, Charlotte Shell, Kate Shilvock

Novato Fire Foundation Planning Team: Erich Mesenburg (Executive Director), Marvin Blandon (Executive Chef), Doug Fernandez, Bailey Pontius, Marc Teldeschi, Owen Valuch, Nick Zagaris

It took this entire village to put on this year’s chili event. Thank you everyone for sharing your time, talents and treasures so that youth can succeed!