Chili Cook-Off Raises $2.5K for Toy Bank

Dozens of firefighters walked into the fire Thursday night, and even though that fire was just in their mouths, each individual emerged on the other side a hero.

That's because firefighters from several Seacoast departments, as well as over 100 family members, friends, local businesses and residents all pitched in to raise over $2,500 for local children as a part of the annual .

The event, held at , pitted 21 departments, residents and businesses against each other in the puruit of coveted chili master bragging rights. In the end, though, many said the only trophy that mattered was the knowledge that more children will have gifts this holiday season thanks to their efforts.

"We've got a great town here," said Nora Hamilton, the executive chef at the , after taking home first place in the business/professional chili category. "To be involved with the toy bank and help children in this town and in the surrounding areas, what more could you ask for?"

The 20-year-old chili cook-off serves as the only fundraiser for the toy bank, which has been helping local families in need for over 30 years.

Hampton Firefighter Kate Meehan, who was in charge of this year's cook-off, said the event was a "great" success, both from a monetary and a spiritual standpoint.

"The enthusiasm this year seemed so much better," said Meehan. "It's nice to see that. I think everybody realizes the need and how the economy is... It's nice to see people laughing, smiling and having a good time while supporting the cause."

Meehan said she expects the toy bank to serve roughly 200 families this year, something which she said depends on the number of toys donated to or at the 30 drop-off boxes located at different businesses and buildings in the area.

While there was plenty of the giving spirit to go around Thursday, there was also portion after portion of friendly competition, as few cook-off contestants took their chili entries lightly.

Rusty Bridle, a retired Hampton firefighter who started the toy bank over 30 years ago, took home first place in the individual chili category, edging out the Reading, Mass., Fire Department by a single vote.

Heidi Gannon took third place in the individual category, while Country Brook Cafe in Kensington and won second and third place, respectively, in the business/professional category.

Gannon, who has been competing in the cook-off for roughly a dozen years, said she loves participating each year because it allows her to indulge her competitive side, as well as volunteer with a group of individuals she thinks helps the area in many ways.

"I think firefighters do a lot for the community, so it's really nice to see all these people come out," said Gannon, whose husband, Sean, is a lieutenant in Hampton. "They do a lot more than their jobs. I don't think people realize how much other good they do for our community."

An example of that selfless good was on display Thursday, as Portsmouth Fire Lt. Brett Nelson decided not to take his $300 prize after winning the cook-off's 50/50 raffle.

Nelson downplayed the gesture, stating that he saw it as an easy way to help out his neighboring department and, most importantly, the children.

"More money means more toys," said Nelson, a Rye resident. "It means more happy faces on Christmas, and that's what it's all about."

Firefighters from several other area communities also participated Thursday, including individuals from the and Hampton Falls fire departments.

Several businesses also donated raffle prizes for the event, including: , , , Country Brook Cafe, , , , Great Bay Pottery, Middleton Lumber, and .

Hampton-North Hampton Patch Editor Kyle Stucker also donated a little time to help out at the event, as he worked the door and helped award raffle prizes as a part of the project.

More information about the Hampton Firefighters Toy Bank is available by contacting the department at 926-3316. Meehan said the donation boxes should be out by next week, although she said anyone is welcome to donate unopened, unused toys at either Hampton fire station.