Alsip, IL—(ENEWSPF)—May 15, 2014. Sertoma Center, Inc. thanks all the firefighters who participated in the cook-off at the BIG Event on Saturday, May 3 at 115 Bourbon Street to help raise money and awareness for individuals with disabilities.
“The firefighters make the BIG event possible and they really love cooking for the attendees who come out each year to support individuals with disabilities,” states Sertoma Centre’s Director of Advancement and Communications Amy Chmura.
Congratulations to all the winners of the annual cook-off! Firefighter Bob Hopper, of the Lombard Fire Department, took home the trophy for the Best Chili with his Smoke Showin’ Chili. Ken Dompling and Joe Dinova, from the Blue Island Fire Department, won Best Ribs with their Bad Ax BBQ Ribs. Tim Prokop, a paramedic with Edward Ambulance Service in Naperville, won Best Chicken with his White Chicken Chili. Wesley Marvel, from Robbins Fire Department, took the trophy for Best Ethnic dish with his Southern Style Ham. The People’s Choice award was won by Jim Leibach and Steve Zook, of the Niles Fire Department, with their award winning Tiller Boy Ribs.
Christopher Drozd from the Chicago Fire Department Engine 42 participates in the firefighter cook-off each year. He brings along his family and friends to help; and they all have a great time. If you ask Chris why he competes, he will tell you “because it’s a great cause and so much fun!” Chris is very familiar with Sertoma Centre because his daughter Brandi was a staff member at Sertoma Centre. Sertoma Centre strives to provide quality programs and services for more than 750 individuals with disabilities. Individuals served by Sertoma Centre are diagnosed with developmental disabilities that include from autism, Down ’s syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and more. “Fundraisers like BIG Event provide Sertoma Centre an excellent opportunity to communicate to the community what we do and the firefighters help us accomplish this,” explains Chmura.
Guest judges sampled each dish to determine the best Chili, Ribs, Poultry, and Ethnic Dishes. BIG Event judges included Mike Mech, the Bungalow Chef, Anne Marie Saviano, a writer/producer on WGN Morning News in Chicago; Bernadette Shanahan-Haas, the Director of Operations for the Retail Bakers of America; and Rachel Miklas, General Manager for 115 Bourbon Street
Sertoma Centre is grateful to all the chefs who participated this year. They included Chicago firefighters Michael Wielgat from Engine 18 and Christopher Drozd from Engine 42, Lemont firefighter Fred Heller, Lombard firefighter Tim Moran and Crestwood firefighter Jon Bruce. In addition, Sertoma United, Sertoma Centre’s self advocacy group, also participated this year with their Chili United.
The BIG Event was sponsored by the local Sertoma clubs, the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation and many area businesses, family and friends. Sertoma Centre would to thank each of the sponsors and the volunteers who helped make the event a BIG success. Proceeds from the BIG event benefit the more than 750 individuals with disabilities served by Sertoma Centre, Inc.
For more information, call Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications at 708-730-6206 or go to www.sertomacentre.org. Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services to individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness.
