ICARE recently hosted their 2025 Mac & Chili Cook-Off on Friday, Jan.24, 2025. This annual event brings together local first responders, community members, and students for an evening of delicious food, fun, and fundraising.

Attendees were given the opportunity to sample and judge the area’s best chili and mac & cheese, prepared by local fire departments, first responders, police, and members of the Colonie community. In addition, vendors and school clubs located on-site offered a variety of items available for purchase.

The Chili and Mac & Cheese competition showcased the best culinary talents in the community, with each category featuring two awards: People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice. The Judge’s Choice winners earned the prestigious Traveling Trophy and bragging rights until next year, while the People’s Choice winners, determined by crowd votes, will take home a personalized plaque to commemorate their victory.

In the Chili category, the Judge’s Choice winner was Shaker Road Fire Department and the People’s Choice winner was Schuyler Heights Fire Department. For Mac and Cheese, the Judge’s Choice award went to Colonie Central School District’s Department of Transportation, and the People’s Choice award was also claimed by Colonie Central School District’s Department of Transportation.  Congratulations to all participants!

“We are so grateful to everyone in our community who came out to support ICARE’s Mac & Chili Cook-off,” said Melissa Judge, associate principal at Colonie Central High School. “The generosity shown this year in support of our charity partner, S.H.I.P., has been truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud of our students for their hard work in making this event a success and for their ongoing commitment to supporting our partner throughout the year.”

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, this year’s event raised $2,000 to support SHIP's mission of providing shelter and hope to those in need.

“Our students' dedication reflects the spirit of our community, as well as the enthusiasm of our amazing mac & chili chefs,” added Judge. “Thank you for being the driving force behind our ability to give back year after year.”