PLACERVILLE — Firefighters, deputies, medics and other first responders will put their culinary reputations on the line later this month as the 6th Annual Battle of the Badges – 911 Chili Cook-Off returns to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds to raise money for Snowline Health.
The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Forni Building, 100 Placerville Drive. Organizers say the event will feature more than 22 first responder agencies from El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties competing for the title of Best Chili.
Admission is $35 for adults, while children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online through the Givebutter platform and will also be sold at the door, according to event organizers.
In addition to chili tasting and voting, the evening will include live music, vendor booths, raffle prizes, a silent auction and beer and wine available for purchase. Proceeds will directly support Snowline Health’s community-based programs, including palliative care, veterans services and grief support for children and families.
A panel of regional figures will judge the entries, including El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, media host John McGuinness and Marshall Medical Center CEO Siri Nelson. Television personality Mark S. Allen is scheduled to serve as emcee.
Snowline Health officials say the cook-off has grown into one of the organization’s most visible community fundraisers, pairing public safety agencies with a cause that touches families across the region.
“Every dollar raised goes back into essential care and support services for our community,” Snowline Health said in an event statement, noting that the programs funded often serve patients and families facing serious illness and loss.
Organizers expect a strong turnout from across the foothills and encourage early ticket purchases due to space limits inside the Forni Building.
