Fire Rescue Foundation Thanks Community and Sponsors

Saturday was a beautiful day for Marco Island to celebrate the 11th Annual Jerry Adams Chili Cook Off. The Foundation presented 21 talented chefs at the competition this year to the public. Jerry Adams would be proud of the support given the department he served. Jerry Adams was a firefighter remembered for being the "House Chef" for chili and often prepared his recipe to his fellow firefighters and at community events. Upon his passing from cancer, the Fire Foundation believed a chili cook off fundraiser in his name was fitting as fire departments and chili seem to go together. Proceeds for the Fire Foundation's 501c3 supports Marco Island's Fire Rescue Personnel and families in time of need along with scholarships for higher education.  

This year's event brought out a wonderful crown of 1,000 plus tasters to choose the People's Choice Award. Also, an anonymous panel of judges chose the overall best chili with the Judge's Pick Award. Another honor by an additional duo of judges was given to the Most Spirited competing team. Our gratitude to these judges along with the army of volunteers including the MIA Key Club making the day proceed without a hitch. A special thank you to CJ's on the Bay for hosting this event for 11 years and the support you give. Thank you to Marco Midnight Band for bringing on the Jerry Lee Lewis's Great Balls (Bowls) of Fire and providing their toe-tapping music allowing the tasters of the event to take a pause and listen between chili samples. Thank you to our sponsors serving the free hot dogs-New American Funding, Imperial Marine, Bob Weidel of Edward Jones and SERVPRO. Thank you to the Marco Kiwanis Club for complementing the MIA Key Club and providing the crowd with delicious cookies. Thank you to Holly at Pet Sense remembering the pups attending with their owners and needing a treat as well! Most of all, thank you to our Fire Department personnel under the lead of Chief Chris Byrne and the community coming together to have some fun in support of these skilled professionals who go a step beyond in service to our neighbors and visitors.

May we recognize and thank our generous supporters whom many have been so faithful over the past 11 years. 

Thank you, to CJ's on the Bay, Coastal Breeze, New American Funding, Dr. Richard Siegel, D.D.S., Naples Community Hospital, Imperial Marine Construction, Bob Weigel with Edward Jones, Bill and Karen Young, Rene & Tish Champagne, Bill Brockett, Dr. Megan Welker, D.D.S., Darcie Guerin of Raymond James, Island Kitchen and Bath, Keller Williams Marco, Marco Island Mattress, Co., SERVPRO, Ron & Joan Myers, Casagrande Electric, Ron & Pat Rutledge, Marriott's Crystal Shores, We thank All Party Rental, Condee Electric, Ehlen Tile, Bryan and Rondi Hauser and the many anonymous donors to this event! The Foundation also wishes to recognize and thank Linda Bicking with Palm Printing and Jerol Ayasun of Sunshine InfiniTee for their expertise.