CAANH’s mascot, Miss Hot Chili Pepper, aka Executive Assistant Caren Lang, with Board of Directors Chairman Larry Stewart.
Jill Dotlo sent in this write-up and these photos from an event her agency held on the East Shore:
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Community Action Agency of New Haven’s (CAANH) 21st-annual ChiliFest at East Shore Park drew hundreds of chili enthusiasts anxious to sample and vote on more than 25 varieties of chili. The fundraising event and competition raised thousands of dollars for CAANH’s Open Choice Pantry, which distributes over 30,000 pounds of food each year to residents in the New Haven area!
This year’s ChiliFest promised plenty of fire and spice with contenders like Stark Raven Mad Chili, Mad Mike’s Killer Chili, Uncle Mike’s Fire in the Works Chili — and the ultimate red-chili winner, Marc Frechette of Dragon Fire Family Chili. Chili hopefuls came from as far away as Arizona to vie for bragging rights in the following five categories: red chili, green chili, home-style chili, salsa and People’s Choice. Frechette, of Ellington, Conn., will represent Connecticut at the World’s Chili Cook Off in California, where he can win up to $25,000 for the best red-chili recipe!
Red chili winners.
The ChiliFest involved more than just food, though! Local bands entertained festival-goers all day, radio-station WPLR emceed and sponsored a classic-car show and kids enjoyed an obstacle course and had their faces painted by US Marines.
Red chili, winner Marc Frechette with CAANH ChiliFest organizer Sharon Willard (in red hat).
CAANH’s Open Choice Food Pantry provides a needed service to the New Haven community. Hunger is a growing problem in Connecticut. One in seven households struggles to put food on the table and one in five children do not know where their next meal is going to come from. Keeping up with the demand is often difficult. CAANH graciously accepts non-perishable food items from individuals and welcomes any organized food drives. If you would like to contribute, please contact CAANH at 203 – 387-7700, ext. 226.
