What’s the quintessential fall food? Some may argue that it’s chili, which is so popular that it has its own day (National Chili Day falls on February 24 next year), its own society (The International Chili Society, which has 2,000 active members) and is often the focus of cook-offs across the country. Attend a local one on November 18, at 5:30 pm, at Rowan College at Burlington County’s Mount Holly Campus. 

RCBC’s culinary department, in collaboration with Deborah Heart and Lung Institute, will recognize Men’s Health Awareness Month by hosting the Men’s Health Night Chili Cook-Off featuring RCBC culinary student competitors Laura Pienkowski, Marisol Peralta, Diana Walker and Marion Akins. They will also invite guest speakers from the healthcare field, including Cardiologist and Acting Cardiology Chair at Deborah Heart and Lung Center S. Justin Szawlewicz, MD, Sleep Specialist and VP of Pulmonary Service Line/Clinical Ancillary Services John James Hill and cook-off judge Deborah CEO Joseph Chirichella. 

In addition to several delicious variations of chili, attendees will receive information on making healthy choices, as RCBC is committed to the wellness of students and the broader community.

“There are several aspects of this event that bear importance to me,” RCBC’s Director of Culinary Programs Desmond Keefe said. “First, this event is very special to me because my father passed away from colon cancer. Awareness is so important for prevention. In his case, once he was diagnosed, it was too late for treatment. Secondly, any time I have an opportunity to give students a chance to compete, I get very excited -- especially this year because the winning student will enter their recipe in the Mount Holly Fire and Ice competition in 2022. Finally, The Deborah Heart and Lung Institute is an important partner for us, and I am thrilled to have them as a big part of this event.”

To learn more about RCBC’s culinary programs, visit rcbc.edu/culinary.