Another Successful Heroes Cook-off Event
Sertoma hosted its annual Heroes Cook-off event on Saturday, May 20, inviting local heroes to compete in a friendly cooking fundraiser. The competition included a panel of judges and a People’s Choice Award. First responders, medical personnel, and military members showed off their chef talents while helping raise money for individuals with disabilities.
The 2023 first-place winners were “The Tiller Boys” team of Steve Zook, Jim Leibach, and sons, from the Niles Fire Department with their barbecue ribs. Second place went to Jim Waranauski of the Chicago Ridge Fire Department for his chili, and third place was won by Laura Memmesheimer from the Alsip Fire Department with her chicken teriyaki. Memmesheimer also took home the People’s Choice Award, securing the most votes from the guests in attendance.
Other chefs included Dominick Iovino from Stickney Fire Department, Janet LoVerde, a Nurse from Naperville, retired Paramedic Chief Barbara Martin of the Chicago Fire Department, and Chris Quinn a retired Chicago firefighter.
“Year after year we are in awe of the talent the chefs bring to the Heroes Cook-off event. These are amateur chefs cooking wonderful meals and we thank them for the many hours they spend preparing their dishes for us to enjoy,” said Sertoma’s Director of Advancement, Communications, and Volunteer Services Debra Marillo. “They claim it is a labor of love, but serving quality dishes prepared from scratch for hundreds of guests is no easy feat. We applaud our chefs for their generosity and all that they do for Sertoma.”
This year’s panel of esteemed judges were Farmhouse Academy Chefs Kara Fanelli, Julianna DiGuido, Christina Spreadbury, and Yolanda Garcia, and from Inspiration Kitchens, Chef Julio Quiroz.
Sertoma also recognizes all our event sponsors, including Action Sertoma Club, Chicago Lawn Sertoma Club, POW-R Sertoma Club, and Katherine Venetti. The Heroes Cook-off fundraiser is supported by the Sertoma Clubs, area businesses, and family and friends. Click here to see a full list of 2023 sponsors
Sertoma Centre has been hosting this event for 20 years, including a virtual competition one year during the Covid pandemic shutdown. Proceeds from the event go to programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness.