Christ the Redeemer Catholic School 'Chilly' Cook Off Raises $20,000

If it’s chilly outside, it’s best to eat chili...and lots of it. Christ the Redeemer Catholic School hosted its inaugural “Chilly” Cook Off on Jan. 23 and raised more than $20,000 as a part of Steps for Students, an Archdiocesan campaign to raise awareness and support for Catholic education.

Fourth grade teacher Tamara Freeman, one of the main organizers the event, and was impressed to see so many people attend.

“It really showed how dedicated our families and the parish are to Catholic education at Christ the Redeemer,” Freeman said. “Watching everyone laughing and dancing and genuinely enjoying themselves made me realize how much of a community we have already become in such a short amount of time.”

The event had 19 teams cooking chili and more than 550 people in attendance. With the music turned up, chili pouring and children playing, it was tough to tell who was having more fun – the kids or the adults. The winner of the popular vote was the Buttram Family Team with their “Spicy Nici,” which included beef, tortillas, cilantro, spices, corn, potato, peppers, tomato, chicken and beef stock. The best decorated table was also the judges’ choice for best chili: Wayne and Renee Saunier, or Team Krewe De Saunier. Attendees enjoyed the Mardi Gras theme and the delicious Cajun chili that had a sweet twist with sausage, beef and pork.

Judges were Rev. Sean Horrigan, pastor of CtR, Deacon Phillip Jackson, parish administrator of CtR, Dr. Brad Snyder and Michele Snyder, Kevin and Kathy Snow, and Brad Serey.

The event included chili tasting, hay rides, a photo booth, dancing (DJ was parishioner and CtR School parent Dan Block) and silent and live auction. The silent auction allowed parents to bid on the opportunity of their child being teacher for the day. That alone raised more than $9,000. The live auction was similar, but the parents bid on being principal and/or pastor for the day. This raised more than $8,000.