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03/01/2015 11th Annual MDA Firefighters Chili Challenge Hyannis MA
03/01/2015 11th Annual MDA Firefighters Chili Challenge Hyannis MA
03/01/2015 - HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS (BARNSTABLE COUNTY) - On the afternoon of Sunday, March 1, 2015 the Hyannis Resort & Conference Center was transformed into the chili capital of Massachusetts, to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Seventeen teams, made up of local firefighters, tried their hand at winning the prestigious awards of Chef's Cup, People's Choice, Hottest Chili, and Best Display. Attendees of the event made a $15 donation and received unlimited chili, and non-stop live music from the bands Shattered, Afterthought, Chaindrive, Halligan's and The Apollo Principle. There were also raffles and a cash bar for those who attended. Each person who attends, gets a ballot which they fill out for the People's Choice, Hottest Chili, and Best Display. The ballots are then tabulated on-site by an independent third party. The Chef's Cup award is selected by a group of chef's who conduct a blind taste test. This year the team from Wareham Fire won the "People's Choice" award. The "Chef's Cup" was awarded to the team from Shrewsbury Fire. The "Hottest Chili" award went to the team from Blackstone Fire. Finally, the award for best display went to "Team Backdraft" from Eastham Fire. An estimated 1,000 people packed the convention hall to taste the many different kinds of chili, and enjoy the bands and festivities. This event is held every year to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The event committee, responsible for the planning and logistics of the large event, consists of Matt Mills from the Hyannis Fire Department, Chris Shute from the Mashpee Fire Department, Chris Read from the Yarmouth Fire Department, Briana Littlefield from MDA, and Matty B from local radio station Pixy 103. This year, more than $15,000 was raised for MDA. The MDA and firefighters, specifically the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have had a long history, dating back to 1954. The IAFF is the greatest contributor to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising a record breaking $23.5 million in 2006 alone. MDA is committed to worldwide research efforts and programs to help eradicate 40 neuromuscular diseases, and assist those who suffer the effects of neuromuscular diseases every day. The IAFF has raised more than $275 million for MDA since 1954.
