7th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Homebrewing Contest — Saturday, February 20th

The remedy for winter blues? Chili, beer and some friendly—but heated—competition. For the 7^th year in a row, Hoboken Volunteers has residents covered. On Sunday, February 20, 2016 from 2-6pm, Hoboken Volunteers Annual Chili Cook-Off & Homebrewing Contest heats things up again at our Lady of Grace Gym in Hoboken, located at 422 Willow Avenue. Sponsored by hMAG, Hoboken Grace, Ben & Jerry’s, Don’t Sit Home, 902 Brewing Company, this year’s proceeds will be benefiting TRUE Mentors.

TRUE Mentors is a non-profit organization focused on unearthing the potential in children ages 7-17 through mentoring relationships. As the only one-on-one mentoring program in Hoboken, it’s designed to match youth with positive adult role models who can help them explore new topics and areas.

“Our annual goals can only be reached with the support of the wonderful community of Hoboken, including Hoboken Volunteers, which has always provided us with wonderful volunteers and funds to continue to build our organization” said Jen Johnson, Board Director of True Mentors.

“Our goals for 2016 include hiring a full-time paid Executive Director (our 2nd paid hire to date), matching 50 more children with mentors, hiring 15 teens for local paid internships, and reaching hundreds of children through our workshops, events and field trips.”

With each year that passes, the Hoboken Volunteers Chili Cook-Off & Homebrewing Contest raises more awareness and opportunities for local organizations. Last year’s event raised over $12,000 for In Jesus Name Charities. Director of In Jesus Name Charities, April Harris is overwhelmed with gratitude for the accomplishments and generosity of Hoboken Volunteers.

“It’s hard to believe it’s almost a year since your 2015 Chili Cook-off event‑what a wonderful blessing your gift was. You deserve to know how we used your donation to expand our help to those in need. In Jesus Name operates on a shoestring in order for monetary donations can go to the needs of the poor. So imagine how far $12,000 can go. So thank you for giving us a gift that will keep on giving, said April Harris, Director of In Jesus Name Charities.”

While guests eat and drink unlimited samples chili and beer, and jam to live music by the band Gravy Train, a panel of esteemed judges will set out on a culinary quest to find best chili and beer in town, including Hoboken Mayor, Dawn Zimmer, Owner of Toney Boloney’s Mike Hauke and Pitmaster at House of Que Mike Rodriguez. Winners of Best Judged Chili and Best Judged Beer, Fan Favorite Chili and Fan Favorite Beer will receive gift certificates from various local businesses. The top prize is a $200 gift certificate from Dino & Harry’s for Best Judged Chili. Best Judged winners will be provided a championship trophy. The Homebrew champion will win opportunity to brew with 902 Brewing on a commercial brewing system. Scale up from 5-gallon brew to over 400 gallons (12 Barrel System).

“We are excited to benefit TRUE Mentors in our 7^th year as they are providing an invaluable service to Hoboken’s youth community, said Tim Occhipinti, founder of Hoboken Volunteers. With the support of our contestants, patrons, sponsors, volunteers and businesses we are looking forward to another great event.”

For business interested in sponsoring this event, please email Amanda at dontsithome@gmail.com.

Tickets are $40 and include chili and beer samplings and a commemorative glass while supplies last. You can purchase tickets at hobokenvolunteers.com and day of event at the door.

For more information on the event or the organization, please visit www.hobokenvolunteers.com.

Tickets can be purchased at

www.hvchili16.eventbrite.com