Friends of Firefighters will have their first chili cook-off fundraiser on April 27

The Friends of Firefighters will be having a chili cook-off fundraiser at the Invisible Dog (51 Bergen Street) on Friday, April 27 from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

According to Sylvie Brown, who is the marketing and communications officer, this will be their inaugural cook-off event fundraiser and their intention is to make this into an annual event.

Friends of Firefighters (199 Van Brunt Street) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to addressing the physical, mental health and wellness needs of New York City’s firefighters and their families. Their mission is to provide long-term support and services through confidential counseling, wellness services and other assistance that’s required by firefighters.

This event, that will be highlighted by chili tasting, will be sponsored by Rockaway’s Cuisine by Claudette, and will have live music by Staten Island rock trio Radio Flyerz. The chili cook-off fundraiser will feature firehouses from around the five boroughs as they prepare their best chili dish for everyone to eat and enjoy.

During the event, there will be raffle prizes and the opportunity to bid on striking NYC photographs by fire department enthusiasts such as Mike Bartolomeo, Peter Brady, Kia Carbone, Eddie Heegan, Kyra King, Lloyd Mitchell and Delta Phoenix. Organizers have also announced that special guests will be making an appearance during the chili cook-off.

All the proceeds from this cook-off will go towards the continuation of programs and services at Friends of Firefighters. Tickets will be available at the entrance to Invisible Dog for $30, or you can purchase tickets in advance for $25 at this website.

According to Friends of Firefighters, they want to ensure that firefighters have therapeutic and mental health resources as they courageously protect our lives and property day in and day out.

Firefighters restored an old firehouse on Van Brunt Street which provides a safe haven that serves as a meeting spot for firefighters and their families to relax, meet with peers, receive counseling, exchange information and access many different services that they need.