Monthly Archives: September 2024

< BACK

 September 24 2024 

9th Annual Chili Cook-Off to Celebrate First Responders and Support Food Insecurity

TOMS RIVER, NJ – On Saturday, October 12, 2024, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River hosted their 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off, a tribute to the dedicated service of first responders across New Jersey. This event successfully brought the community together to celebrate first responders while supporting JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission of addressing food insecurity.

Our 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off was our biggest yet, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us! This year’s event featured delicious chili, enthusiastic competitors, and a supportive community, making for a fantastic day.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Vydia, for their continued support of JBJ Soul Kitchen. Their generosity helps us in our mission to fight food insecurity during a time when we need help the most. As of the end of September, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River has served 72% of our meals to guests who were unable to pay and volunteered at the restaurant for their meal.

Thank you to all first responder participants who joined us for the 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Your continued commitment to keeping our community safe is truly appreciated, and we’re honored to have you as part of this event.

All 13 First Responder Participants:

  • Belleville Fire Department
  • Elizabeth Fire Department
  • Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Lanoka Harbor EMS
  • Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
  • New Jersey State Police NCO Association
  • Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Ocean County Sheriff’s PBA Local 379
  • Pine Beach Police Department
  • Rutgers University Police Department
  • Toms River Fire Company #1
  • Toms River PBA 137
  • Union Beach Police Department

Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Rutgers University Police Department
2nd Place: Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
3rd Place: Union Beach Police Department
Best Dressed: Toms River PBA 137
Best Table: Rutgers University Police Department

Thanks to all our sponsors for making this event possible:

  • Ultimate Chili Sponsor: Arden Group
  • Smokin’ Hot Sponsor: Steel Horse
  • Hot Zone 50/50 Sponsor: D. Ryan Landscapes
  • Chili Champion Sponsor: Caroline Rafferty Interiors, LLC
  • Guitar Raffle Sponsor: Honeygrow
  • Top Chef Award Sponsor: Monmouth Medical Center
  • Cooling Station Sponsor: Carlin Family
  • Cup of Joe Station Sponsor: Brandywine Gables
  • Table Sponsor: Mehul Choksi – Salaried
  • Chair Sponsor: Yeehoo Press
  • Chili Sponsor: PernaFrederick
    Donation Sponsors:
  • Farros
  • Soldier On
  • Mr. Happy Party Rentals

We are thrilled with the turnout and support from our community, and we can’t wait to see everyone at our next event! Stay tuned for more updates from JBJ Soul Kitchen as we continue our mission to provide nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity.