OCRA Raises $10,500 With Ocean City Chili Chowder Festival

OCEAN CITY, NJ - Steaming cups of chili and chowders from restaurants all over Ocean City were dished out to hundreds of hungry patrons at the Ocean City Restaurant Association’s (OCRA) third annual Chili Chowder Festival at the Music Pier on Oct. 14.

OCRA has raised over $10,500 through ticket sales and donations since launching its annual Chili Chowder Festival, the group announced this week. Proceeds have benefited the Humane Society of Ocean City and the Ocean City Firefighters Foundation run by the local #4032 union of the International Association of Firefighters.

“We are grateful for the support of the OCRA membership as well as the community who came to support OCFD’s Charitable Foundation” said Jane Davis, treasurer of the Restaurant Association and owner of Johnny B Goode Ice Cream Parlors.

The Ocean City Firefighters Foundation was this year’s beneficiary. It is a local organization that is supported by direct donations throughout the year such as this one given by OCRA. Money raised support scholarships and rewards that are distributed locally to Ocean City High School, Intermediate, and Primary school students, the Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant, Ocean City Humane Society, Waves for Caring and many other recipients. For more information on the Foundation, visit www.oceancityfirefighters.com.

Fireman Jason Boyle claimed the Chili Cook Off championship, a competition involving all three Ocean City fire stations. Boyle represents Ocean City Fire Station #1. Steve Peifer won the competition last year.

Families lined up for tastings from Ocean City restaurants including Cousins Restaurant, Island Grill, Bennie’s Bread, Clancy’s, Jon and Patty’s, Arlene’s, Randazzo’s, Soma Café, Yianni’s Cafe, and Starfish Cafe. Hot Dogs for the kids and water bottles were provided by fellow OCRA members Blitz Markets and Johnny B Goode Ice Cream Parlors.

With a WIBG DJ playing music, balloon animals and face painting for the kids, tables lined with hot chili and chowders and a fun atmosphere - it was, once again, a festive fall scene on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

For more information, visit www.EatinOCNJ.com or email ocra@eatinocnj.com.

The attached images were provided. Main image: Left to Right, Firemen Kevin Muller and Bob Bender , Jane Davis, Johnny B Goode Ice Cream Parlor, Fire Chief Jim Smith, Fireman Jason Boyle, Bill McGinnity, Cousin’s Restaurant.