Firefighter chili cook-off in Middleburg Heights | Events

Several Cleveland area fire departments will pit their culinary skills against each other's at Rivals Sports Grille from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, to raise funds for Make-A-Wish.

"The Famous Rivals Firefighter Chili Cook-off" will see firefighters from Middleburg Heights, Brunswick, Cleveland Hopkins Airport, Berea, Brook Park, Olmsted Falls, Parma, Strongsville, Fairview Park, Lakewood, Independence, Southwest General Hospital ER, and North Royalton vying for the title of Rivals City Chili Champ. For a $10 admission attendees get all the chili they can, plus the chance to cast their vote for chili champion. Live music on the patio will be provided by Renegade and the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.

The projected goal is $6,000, with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The chapter has granted more than 11,000 wishes since 1983. Based on the success of the recent "Raise the Ladder" fundraiser for Make-A-Wish - one in a series of charity collaborations between local

fire departments and Rivals - firefighters and restaurant management were eager to take on another project for the charity.

"The kids we help through Make-A-Wish are fighters. They have to deal with tough issues at too early of an age," says Matt Morris, Middleburg Hts Firefighter who will be cooking up his station's secret chili recipe for the competition. "I'm sure I speak for all of the fire departments when I say that any time we can make a little kid's life a little better, we're up for it 110%."

Through their efforts, area firefighters and Rivals have been able to help three special children to date: 10-year-old Dylan of Akron, struggling with end stage renal disease, was able to travel to LEGOLAND in San Diego; 5-year-old Jason, also from Akron and battling leukemia, enjoyed a trip to Walt Disney World, as did 4-year-old Owen, of Berea, who has a malignant brain tumor.

Kim Sazima, development associate for Make-A-Wish, says, "There's nothing better than seeing these kids' faces light up when you tell them about their up-and-coming wish plans."

You can be part of helping these wishes come true. Come join your friends, neighbors and local fire departments as we crown the firehouse chili champ- and help grant a special wish for a special child.