March 15, 2014 was a very busy day for the many people who participated in and supported the Trips Ahoy Foundation Chili Cook Off and Disability Awareness event at the Leeda Northeast (LNE) Rec Center. Over 15 people entered the competition with a range of chili recipes from mild to hot and spicy with proteins varying from beef to venison and chicken.
Thank you to our illustrious judges: Edward Stark, John Danes, and Paul Rickens…..they tried all of the recipes to come up with their favorite, which was made by the “Red Hot Chili Preppers” – Christy Rill and Kathy Morris. These fine ladies donated their $120 winnings back to Trips Ahoy, which is very much appreciated.
The winner of the “People’s Choice” award, voted on by everyone who attended the cook off, was Jason Freeman. As you can see from the picture, he was beaming with pride. This is the first cooking competition that Jason has entered and he was very pleased that he won.
The silent auction received a lot of attention from folks in attendance – we had 10 items that were donated by LNE office staff, Trips Ahoy, and friends of Trips Ahoy – thank you very much for your support. It was funny to watch some people who stayed right by the item they were interested in, making it difficult for others to bid. It paid off for Misty who won the Avon Gift Bag she wanted so desperately. I hope that Paul won lots of money on the lottery tickets that he bid on successfully. I also hope that Stevie enjoys watching TV and movies on her brand new 32″ flat screen TV!
Thank you to everyone who donated and to everyone who bid on the items. The funds raised will be used by Trips Ahoy to fund leisure and recreational activities along with vacations for people with disabilities. These are events that everyone looks forward to.
We also had an opportunity to learn about the abilities of people with disabilities, specifically their ability to work in the community. The Fairhaven Program provided a display along with one by Leeda Northeast, Inc., with pamphlets and flyers highlighting the many services and supports that are available for people with developmental disabilities. The focus has certainly changed over the years, with a shift from being employed in a “sheltered” workshop, to placement in community jobs.
With the over all unemployment rate as high as it is, it is difficult for just about anyone to find a job, and even more of a challenge when one has disabilities. Organizations like the Trumbull County Board and Leeda Northeast, Inc. have developed programs to work with individuals to build on their strengths and teach them skills that translate well to job placement. We also provide ongoing supports to the companies that are willing to employ people who have disabilities and have seen these partnerships blossom over the recent past. If anyone is interested in obtaining additional information please contact Megan Sweeney at (330)392-6006.
Again, thank you to everyone who helped to plan and run this event; thank you to all of the cooks for preparing some great chili; thank you to all those who donated items for the silent auction; thank you to those who bid on the items; and special thanks to everyone who attended to support the Trips Ahoy Foundation, you are all very much appreciated!
*article reprinted from Leeda Northeast