Novato Youth Center and Novato Fire Fighter’s Association Inaugural Chili Event—A Sizzling Success!

On the afternoon of March 14^th, over 150 people were entertained and well fed at the first ever Novato Youth Chili Academy. Held in the Novato Youth Center’s gym, this co-fundraiser raised over $25,000 to support youth programming of the Novato Youth Center (NYC) and Novato Fire Foundation (NFF).

Five chefs of the NFF were matched with 15 NYC middle schoolers resulting in five chef/youth teams. Each team was provided a culinary learning experience that included knife safety, onion and pepper chopping, creating the chili recipe and name, and booth presentation for event day. Leading this unique adventure was Marvin Blandon (Head Chef), with Erich Mesenburg and chefs Doug Fernandez, Scott Michalik, Marc Teldezchi, Owen Valuch and Sous Chef Kirk Lewis. In addition to safety and culinary skills learned, this unique opportunity resulted in new bonds formed between the youth and firefighters. “It was exciting to participate because I’ve never worked with a firefighter before and this is the first time I have made chili as a group”, said youth Jamie Winfrey, age 12. "Now that the event is over, I miss working with my Chef Doug and hope to participate again next year” expressed youth Vanessa Rodriguez, age 13.

 Five awards were offered to the teams and the judging panel included: City of Novato Mayor Pat Eklund; PG&E Community Relations Representative Kelli Nevin; Sinaloa Middle School Principal Mary Pritchard; NFF Board President Farhad Mansourian and NYC Board Member Patty Bennett (Novato Citizen of the Year).

With enthusiasm and humor, the teams of youth partnered with their firefighter chef included: 1. The Leprechauns making “Spoon Annihilating Chili” and winning the Spirit Award; 2. The Veggi-matics making “You Won’t Miss The Meat (Vegetarian) Chili” winning the Creativity Award; 3. The Spanish Chilies making “Beefy Bites Chili” and winning the Best Presentation Award; 4. The Tygas making “Chile Porkina’s Chili”and winning the Judges Choice Award; and 5. This Is Why We’re Hot making “Take Your Breath Away Chili” who won the Most Inspirational Award.

Serving as co-master of ceremonies were the agencies’ Executive Directors, Erich Mesenburg of NFF and Cheryl Paddack of NYC. Mesenburg commented, "A great event and a great partnership! The Novato Youth Chili Academy was a fantastic way to support both of our agencies while having fun and enriching the lives of our local kids. The event was a great way for people and businesses to philanthropically fill their hearts and their bellies at the same time.  I am tremendously proud of Chef Blandon, our Novato Fire Chili Co, and all of the volunteers."

At the event Paddack applauded the youth and the key event sponsors: 5-Alarm Sponsor Pacific Gas & Electric Co.; 4-Alarm: Bank of Marin; 3-Alarm: W. Bradley Electric; 2-Alarm: Marin Luxury Cars; 1-Alarm: Comcast, SF Fire Credit Union; Umpqua Bank & Coree and Troy Cameron; Other Sponsors: Burr Pilger Mayer, Ghirardo CPA, Hennessy Advisors, Novato Police Managers Assoc., Novato Police Officers Assoc., UrbanSitter and Westamerica Bank.

Over $1,500 in raffle prizes were won by attendees. Special thanks to our raffle and food contributors: Batika India Bistro; Extreme Pizza; Finnegan's Marin; Ghiringelli Pizza; High Tech Burrito; Italian Delite; Left Coast Depot; Lodge at Sonoma; Moylan's Brewery & Restaurant; Muscio's Restaurant; Planet Beach; Ricky's Restaurant; Round Table Pizza; Stefano's Pizza; Toast Novato; Whole Foods Market Novato and Wildfox Restaurant.

Both the NFF and NYC are 501c3 nonprofit agencies dedicated to helping youth succeed in our community.  To learn more, please visit www.novatoyouthcenter.org, or www.novatofirefoundation.org.