Annual cookoff brings chili reception to East Falls school

The Thomas Mifflin School gym played host to the 12th Annual East Falls Chili Cook-off on Friday night, with 13 competitors who set out to conquer the tastebuds of locals and judges alike.

Claire L. Stilley, second vice president of the East Falls Community Council, was among more than a dozen volunteers who helped organize the event.

“None of this would happen if we didn’t have amazing chili,” Stilley said. “We were all so thrilled with the amazing support from all of the entrants, volunteers, sponsors and donors, as well as the whole community.

“We call it our ‘party with a purpose’ and that’s just what it is: Our goal is to bring the whole neighborhood together — businesses, restaurants, community organizations and neighbors — on one night. That’s exactly what happens year after year.”

As judged by Chef Brian Duffy, Parker and Danielle from Zsa’s Gourmet Ice Cream and state Rep. Pamela DeLissio, the winners were:

— Best Chili (Professional): Carriage House Catering

— Best Chili (Amateur): Colleen Francis

— Best Side Dish: Trolley Car Cafe

— People’s Choice (Top Three): Philadelphia University Dining Services, Carriage House and Cranky Joe’s Sports Bar.

As for event proceeds, the “door” will be split by the EFCC, Mifflin School and the community organizations who provided dessert (East Falls Presbyterian Church, East Falls Village and the East Falls Dog Park Committee).

The proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will be shared among the volunteer teams: EFCC, the Friends of Mifflin School and the Dog Park.

Among the sponsors and donors were East River Bank, National Penn Bank, People’s Choice Trophy, Brown’s ShopRite, Falls Flowers, Platinum Hair Salon, Alexa Nahas Photography, Baker’s Centre Laundry, Billy Murphy’s Irish Saloonery, the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Rock Gym, Mountain Paper, Falls of Schuylkill Library, East Falls Presbyterian Church, Gustine Rec Center, East Falls Beverage and Chuck’s Garage.