Neighbors, Flavors, Fun at the Cook-Off Fundraiser

By Sarah Dye

Another successful Chili and Curry Cook-Off Fundraiser is in the books! Despite the rainy and snowy weather, we still had a good turnout with over 300 tickets sold, more than 80 people attending, and a net income of $638.90, thanks to our participating community members. These funds can now be used towards future events, administrative costs, and for continuing the print edition of the NFC News. Thanks to all who came out!

One would never have guessed how dreary it was outside with the buzz of activity inside Forest Knolls School that afternoon. There were neighbors meeting each other for the first time and others coming together to spend an afternoon with friends. Balloon Magic was in the house, and kids took home all sorts of colorful balloon sculptures, custom-made to each child’s liking. Then there was the live music and accompanying slide show of pictures taken at NFCCA events throughout 2025.

There were 11 fantastic entries this year from our community Chili and Curry Masters who stepped forth to take the challenge — nine chili entries and two curry entries. Participants ranged from solo chefs to partner teams to parent and child teams and entire family teams, so the diversity was certainly there for our awesome chefs. The skillset was also broad among our Chili and Curry Masters, from people who regularly cook, to those cooking for fun, to those just learning the trade.

The truly amazing aspect was how different each of these dishes tasted, even though they were either a “chili” or a “curry.” Take it from our community Tasters who sampled all 11 entries! The savory flavors of habañeros, a variety of spices, meats, beans, tomatoes of all kinds, and even cinnamon came into play with a few of the tasty creations.

Last year’s overall Chili and Curry Cook-Off winner, Antoinette Ramdeth, had the honor of handing out top prizes to this year’s winners. With none of the 2025 winners returning as Chili/Curry Masters to defend their titles, the competition was wide open and full of delicious possibilities. Top prizes were:

Frances Spiegel and daughter, Elise, for their “Pork Vindaloo Curry
The Chili Owls, led by Elizabeth Reilly, and their “Paleo Chili.”
Galia Maranon-Ramos and her “Just Chili.”

This year’s Chili & Curry Cook-Off Fundraiser was enjoyed by neighbors of all ages. Events like this, created by neighbors, for neighbors, bring out the best of community spirit. We’re already looking forward to seeing what next year’s event will bring! ■