iCare annual chili cook-off raises over $2,000 to combat mental health

group of students with two represenatives from the Albany Firehouse
The panel of judges including representatives such as Assemblyman Phil Steck, ESPN-The Team on-air radio personalities Levack and Goz, Sheriff Craig Apple and others, selected West Albany Firehouse as this year’s winner of the Chili Cook-off event on Friday, Jan. 17.

Colonie Central High School iCare program hosted its 6th annual Chili Cook-off event on Friday, Jan. 17 raising $2,340 for Northern Rivers, iCare’s partner in creating awareness and support for individuals impacted by mental health issues.   

More than a dozen community groups participated this year including the town’s Fire Departments and Colonie Police Department. The event featured 14 delicious samples of chili and for the first time ever, an entry from the South Colonie Board of Education members.

The panel of judges including representatives such as Assemblyman Phil Steck, ESPN-The Team on-air radio personalities Levack and Goz, Sheriff Craig Apple and others, selected West Albany Firehouse as this year’s winner.  People’s choice went to Carter’s Crew.

group picture of adults and kids
People’s choice for favorite Chili went to Carter’s Crew on Friday, Jan. 17.

“We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity for our students each year,” said associate principal  Thomas Kachadurian. “They go through the entire process of selecting a charity at the beginning of the year and then the students are responsible for the planning and execution of events like this to support that charity.  This year, we are thrilled to partner with Northern Rivers and we are thankful for the community’s continued support on events like this one.”

“Our Chili Cook-off event is fun,” said iCare vice president Ava Coogan.  “We really appreciate everyone who made chili, judged chili and came out to sample it!  For every dollar that you helped us raise, thank you!”  

All contributions generated from this event will support Northern Rivers programs and services.  Since inception, iCare has raised $80,000 in support of local charities.

See more photos from the event here.

See the Spotlight News story here.