2024 Chili Challenge Champions, City of Fort Myers Fire Department, accepting the bragging rights and the trophy. CARLIE ADMIRE / FLORIDA WEEKLY
The annual Lee County Chili Challenge got to cooking for the fifth year, bringing together first responders to raise money for local veterans and military families.
Fire, EMS, police and military teams stirred the pot with homemade chili to earn the title of challenge winner. They also raised money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Injured Warriors Fund of Florida and Collier-Lee Honor Flight.
“While the competition is spicy, we know we have a great recipe to benefit and honor the men and women who have fought to protect and serve our nation,” said event founder Jason Dysarczyk.
Dysarczyk is a battalion chief with South Trail Fire and Rescue and served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1995 to 2003.
The annual Chili Challenge took place at Stu’s Motorcycle off Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers.
“It’s not a cook-off, it’s a challenge,” said Dysarczky, who tagged that on the event T-shirts.