While I have personally been involved in many events over the years with The Jacksonville Bar Association, the proudest moment involves leading my team “Three Beans, One Pot” to a second-place finish (top law firm) at the Young Lawyers Section’s first annual “Super Chili Bowl Charity Cookoff.”
While it is doubtful that anyone can step forward this year to compete with my improved amazing chili recipe, there is tons of fun to be had at this year’s upcoming event.
The YLS’s second annual cook-off will be held from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the campus of Florida Coastal School of Law. In addition to the chili contest, the event will be filled with entertainment and fun for all ages, including a bounce house, cornhole games and face painters.
The staple course will be complemented with beer, wine, desserts and live music from Electric Otter, featuring The Jacksonville Bar Association’s own Casey Stripling. In addition, there will be a substantial silent auction.
Last year’s event was a tremendous success thanks to the generosity of local businesses and legal professionals. In fact, the YLS raised more than $5,000 for a local charity, The Sanctuary on 8th Street, during the maiden voyage of the chili cook-off, which was attended by hundreds of participants and spectators. This year’s event will build on that success while continuing to offer a good time for a good cause.
This year all funds raised will go to benefit The Missing Link of Jacksonville Inc. The Missing Link is a local 501(c)(3) charity that hosts free clinics and offers free legal services to help victims of domestic violence free themselves from the abusive relationships.
Since being formed in 2005, The Missing Link has helped countless victims and been recognized by the City of Jacksonville with an outstanding Judicial Victim Advocate Award. This is truly a great cause and the YLS hopes to provide The Missing Link with a significant donation from the proceeds of the chili cook-off.
There are several great ways you or your business can support this worthy cause. The YLS is currently seeking sponsors from local law firms and businesses.
Three levels of sponsorship are available: Habanero, Jalapeno and Poblano. Sponsors will be included on all promotional materials to be distributed in the coming months.
Each sponsor will receive admission tickets to the event and Habanero sponsors will receive a full team entry fee. Additionally, individual tickets are currently on sale for $15 and can be purchased through the Young Lawyers Section ahead of time or at the event.
With your help, the “Chili Cook-Off” will, once again, be a tremendous time and continue the success it enjoyed last year. If last year is any indication, the members of The Jacksonville Bar Association love good food, good company and a good cause — all of which can be found at this year’s chili cook-off.
So come out and attempt to oust me from my rightful place as the “Champion of Chili.” In the meantime, you will certainly have a great time and support a tremendous cause. If you have any additional questions regarding the chili cook-off, please contact me at [email protected] or my co-chair for the event, Eric Roberson at [email protected].