16th annual Chilifest
More than 350 persons attended the 16th annual Chilifest to sample over 30 steaming pots of chili entered to win the coveted, “Best in Fest” prize! Earlier this month.
Sweet and Spicy 16 was the theme of the 16th annual Chilifest fundraiser hosted by the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation (HHTDEF), whose mission is to support teaching innovations and learning opportunities in STEAM programs and athletics in the three schools of the Tri-District.
The rain cleared just in time for the adult-only, outdoor 5 p.m. event October 7 at the beach adjacent to the Seastreak parking lot in Atlantic Highlands.
In addition to the many artisan chilis entered, guests were treated to refreshing beverages donated by Carton Brewing and Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum. Food trucks from Boardwalk Bites and Mr. Whippie were also on hand and Chilifest attendees enjoyed live entertainment provided by local musicians Tommy Grasso, The Elastic Waist Band and Hooper. New this year, an assortment of local craft vendors were present, selling items including jewelry, handcrafted soaps and candles, artisan breads and jams, wreathes and sea glass creations.
“Chilifest never disappoints,” said Kevin Ilarazza, Co-President of HHTDEF. “The food, music and beverages are always excellent. However, the best thing about Chilifest is always the amazing people, families and local businesses who come together to celebrate and support education and the community.”
Judging the entries this year were Eric Manuelli, Beacon Hill Country Club Executive Chef; last year’s Best in Fest champion, Jon Wilcox; Atlantic Highlands Elementary School Principal, Mike Ferrarese; Dr. Billy Jacoutot, Highlands Elementary School Principal; and Eric Pritchard, Henry Hudson Regional School Vice Principal and Athletic Director.
This year’s winners include: Best in Fest – Kellianne Arnella with her chili comprised of chop meat, steak bites, tomatoes, peppers and three kinds of beans. Most Exotic went to Merissa Zuzulock and Joe D’Angelo for their wild boar chili. The Best Vegetarian winner was Megan Rielly, and the ever-popular People’s Choice Award also went to two—time champs, Merissa Zuzulock and Joe D’Angelo, who won the distinguished title at last year’s fest as well.
The Chilifest event was made possible through generous sponsors! Premium Sponsors were Brinley Shipwreck Rum, Carton Brewing Co and Beacon Hill Country Club. Gold Sponsors: Happy Tails Veterinary, Henry Hudson Tri-District Boards of Education, Keller Williams Melina Bradley Realtor, Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, HHRS PTO, HES PTO, AHES PTO, Solar Me, State Farm Steve Sapio Agency, JCY Design, Knights of Columbus, Atlantic Highlands Navesink Methodist Church and the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department. Silver Sponsors: Atlantic Highlands Republican Club, Atlantic Highlands Democratic Club, ReUnionRx, et al Fine Foods, Page Wellness Center, Law Office of Wendy Crowther, Eastpointe Health & Fitness, The Seafarer Bar, Chilagnos Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Swanton Energy Services, Ship Ahoy Beach Club and David Burke Hospitality Management. Patron Sponsors: Atlantic Highlands Historical Society, Color Bar 51, AHSEP, Franny’s, Foodtown, Feed & Seed, In the Garden, Porcini and Rock’n Music Academy. In addition, the Foundation owes a special thank you to Seastreak, the Borough of Atlantic Highlands, the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department and the United Methodist Church for tables and chairs, Jeff Smith for all the great photos and the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus for their continued support and help at the event!
All Chilifest event proceeds go to grants for teachers and administrators at Atlantic Highlands Elementary, Highlands Elementary and Henry Hudson Regional School, funding innovative STEAM projects, trips and programs for students.
Founded in 2014, the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation, a registered 501C3, mirrors the missions of the Tri-District schools. The Foundation raises endowment funds to support innovative ideas, programs, equipment, trips and assemblies in line with curricula of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) along with enriching the athletic programs for all students. To meet these goals, the foundation relies on private donations, fundraising events and grants from philanthropic organizations. Since its inception, over $140,000 has been raised and disbursed in support of STEAM-related curricula in the TriDistrict. Some of the funded initiatives include have been a new sound board for the high school theater programs, Chromebooks for both elementary schools, 3D printers and maker space equipment, science lab equipment, learning garden enhancements and lab seating, STEM field trips including iFly America with the Physics classes; Escape Room equipment, Robotics equipment and competitions, Odyssey of the Mind funding and Apple pencils.
The Foundation is comprised of parents and other community members with an interest in furthering and enhancing students’ educational opportunities and experiences. The Foundation is always looking for new members and invites emails for lending a hand and voicing ideas.
Current foundation members are Kevin Ilarraza and Emily Tidswell (Co-Presidents), Stacy Cannamela (Vice President), Melody Browne (Treasurer), Jen Vossen (Communications Secretary), Rebecca Wells (Corresponding Secretary), Jaclyn Shoustal, Andrea Serghis, Karin Sjöstrand, Melissa Reeves, Melissa Fierro and Rachael Shwom-Evelich.
For more information or to donate to the HHTDEF, please visit www.hhtdef.org, email info@hhtdef.org or visit them on Facebook.
