Chili Cook-Off Ignites Community Spirit, Raises $10,000 for Museum

UPDATE: On November 2, 2025, the Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora was ablaze with excitement as the ninth annual Sound the Alarm fundraiser took place, drawing in crowds eager to support the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Attendees paid $35 for a delicious bowl of chili, a beer ticket, a dessert, and a special thank-you gift, with all proceeds directly benefiting the museum.

The event, sponsored by Dolan & Murphy, Inc., aims to preserve the legacy of the fire service through regional collections, exhibits, and fire safety education programs. Brian Failing, executive director of the museum, confirmed that the event typically raises over $10,000 each year, highlighting its impact on the community and the museum’s mission.

Local chili enthusiasts flocked to the cook-off, which featured six competing restaurants, all vying for the coveted best chili award based on guests’ feedback and a panel of judges. Jordan Jeffries, owner of Strawberries BBQ, expressed hopes of achieving a four-peat victory, having won the last three years. “Everything we make is with love. That’s the first ingredient,” stated Jeffries, underscoring the personal touch behind the recipes.

Newcomer Giardino’s also joined the competition, with bar manager Cara Lenhardt excited to showcase their unique wagyu-Calabrian chili. “We really love the community and want to get our name out there,” Lenhardt shared as she supervised the preparation.

The event not only celebrated culinary talent but also fostered community spirit. Regular attendee Lenore Nier remarked, “Supporting something like the local fire museum is a good idea. I taught school in West Aurora, and many of my students were children of firemen.”

After years of involvement, Daniel Dolan, president of Dolan & Murphy, shared his motivation for sponsoring the event. “I’d like to sponsor this in honor of my dad, who was a fireman for many years,” he explained, reflecting the deep community ties that make this event special.

The atmosphere was lively, with participants enjoying the camaraderie and delicious chili. Attendee Rick Benhart noted the joy of sampling various chili recipes and voting for his favorite, emphasizing the community bonding that occurs during the cook-off.

As the event wraps up, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum continues its mission to educate and preserve the history of firefighting. With the success of this year’s fundraiser, the community looks forward to more engaging events that bring people together for a worthy cause.

Stay tuned for more updates on community events and initiatives that make a difference!