First FOPA No. 46 Chili-Cookoff big hit with tasters

The first Fraternal Order of Police Associates (FOPA) Lorain No. 46 Chili Cookoff fundraiser was a huge hit with the local business community as well as the public.

Approximately 200 people turned out for the event Nov. 5 to support the fundraiser with all proceeds to go to the Kids and Cops Christmas program, according to Lorain FOPA No. 46 President Jim Malick.

“It was a nice event,” Malick said who was touched by the generosity of the sponsors and downtown district which supported the event.

The cook-off featured 10 “Chili Chefs” and their teams while the participants were the judges.

“(Lorain) Mayor (Jack) Bradley’s It’s a Great Day White Bean Chicken Chili” by Bradley and his team was chosen as the winning recipe.

Lorain Ward 3 Councilwoman Pam Carter’s “3rd Wards Best Chili” was named second place while “Some Like It Hot” by Lorain Ward 8 Councilman Joshua Thornsberry came in third place.

The event raised about $3,000 in a hard push effort to raise the funds as it is getting close to Christmastime, Malick said.

The program allows Lorain Police Department officers to take children in need Christmas shopping in December.

“This program provides an opportunity for police officers to interact in a positive way with our community,” Malick said. “This interaction promotes positive attitudes toward the police.”

Major sponsors for event included Bradley and state Sen. Nathan Manning.

Next tier sponsors were Ariel on Broadway, Chris’ Restaurant, Pepsi Cola Co., Lorain Ward 6 Councilman Rey Carrion and Lorain Police Officers Charitable Foundation.

Some of the “Chili Chefs” were local elected officials, Lorain downtown businesses, Steelman 23 Chili and other local personalities, Malick said.

DJ Abner provided music while the event also offered raffles, 50/50 drawings and an assortment of food.

Malick said FOPA No. 46 thanks Lorain and the surrounding communities to those who attended, bought tickets and participated in the raffles.

“Also thank you to all sponsors and the ‘Chili Chefs’ who participated and were the foundation of the event,” he said.

Members of the FOPA No. 46 organized and worked at the event.

The group also encourages citizens with an interest in supporting law enforcement to consider joining as members, he said.

SUBMITTED Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, second from right, and his team had the winning recipe.