NORWALK—The battle for the best chili was on, and believe it or not there was an upset. The four-year reign of Council 14360’s Past Grand Knight George Ribellino’s as champion came to an end by council member Tim Horne and his “Bud’s Best Chili.”
The competition was intense from many other fine cooks gunning to take down the four-time champion.
On a beautiful sunny summer day, the Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council 14360 held their Fourth Annual Chili Cook-Off “Fun-Raiser” at Saugatuck Sweets in Fairfield. The money raised from donations to taste chili is going to Al’s Angels a local 501C3 charity.
“While it is really fun to try for bragging rights in the kitchen, the real winners are Al’s Angels and the kids who benefit from such a great organization! It was an awesome day all around. Nice work by my brothers,” said Council 14360 Grand Knight Anthony Armentano.
Eight Brother Knights from the council and council member George Ribellino’s daughter Mia and boyfriend Roman made chili for a combined nine entries, ranging from super-spicy to scrumptiously sweet. Defending Champion George Ribellino actually finished in 3rd place for the overall best chili. His daughter Mia and boyfriend Roman’s chili came in 2nd place and picked up the best name trophy for “The Ballad of Chili the Kid by Chili Joel.”
“I can’t believe my reign as chili champion came to an end but my good friend and Brother Tim Horne deserves the top prize but I am looking to defeat him next year,” said Ribellino. “I am also proud of my daughter and her boyfriend for winning 2nd place for overall best chili and taking home the top prize for best name.”
The Chili for Charity concept was started by then-new Knight Moretti back in the summer of 2015. Moretti thought it would be a nice fraternal experience for the council and families while helping the community. He calls it a “fun-raiser.”
“It was a beautiful busy day with my brother knights. I truly enjoy how fierce the competition was once again, nine mostly new and unique chilis brought out the best of our council in a bid to bring down four-time chili champ George Ribellino. This event helped our Council raise and donate $500 to Al’s Angels,” said Chili for Charity Chairman Eric Moretti.
The mission of Al’s Angels is to provide holiday meals and gifts to children battling cancer, rare blood diseases and severe financial hardship.
A great crowd came down to Saugatuck Sweets and made a total of $500 in donations for tasting and judging the chili.
“God Bless my Brother Knights from St. Matthew Church in Norwalk for holding their 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Saugatuck Sweets in Fairfield. Lots of fun and tremendous fun for Al’s Angels,” said Al DiGuido, owner of Saugatuck Sweets and Al’s Angels founder. 
Below are the winners:
Best Chili
Third place-George Ribellino
Second place-Mia Ribellino/Roman Perez
First place-Tim Horne
Hottest Chili-Tim Horne
Best Name-tie-Mia Ribellino/Roman Perez “Ballad of Chili the Kid by Chili Joel”
The goals of the Knights of Columbus Council at Saint Matthew Church in Norwalk are to perform acts of charity, providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Council members work together to foster the founding principles of our order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism. Our goal as a council is to continue to identify specific needs in our community and muster support and help to alleviate these challenges and hardships to the best of our abilities and resources.
(For more information, visit saintmatthewknights.com.)
