Chili Cook-Off This Weekend to Support the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

Chili prepared by a variety of chefs, a raffle with big prizes and the chance to support a local organization’s mission: It’s all part of the 2011 Chili Cook-Off For Autism at Quicken Loans Arena this Saturday. 

The fundraiser will support the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland, which is located in Brecksville. The annual chili cook-off helps the society carry out its mission for the entire year, said President Rory McLean. 

The society focuses on raising autism awareness and supporting individuals with autism and their families. McLean said the fundraiser helps them do that, whether it's by having someone in the office to answer families' questions, keeping the website updated with useful information or holding various meetings. April is Autism Awareness Month and Saturday is World Autism Awareness Day, making the timing for the cook-off especially apt.

In previous years, the fundraiser was held on evenings in the middle of the week, McLean said. But this year’s event will reflect the society’s focus on families by offering the festivities in the afternoon. And the new—larger—venue will include a quiet room so that families of individuals with autism can get away from the noise and action for a bit, McLean said.

The event also coincides with the Cleveland Gladiators’ home opener. The Arena Football League team is hosting this fundraiser, and Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Cory Howerton said there will be educational messages about autism shared with the audience throughout the game.

“It’s really about getting the word out,” Howerton said. 

Howerton, who came to the Gladiators in the fall, said he’d like to see the partnership with the Autism Society continue. The organization was one he had been eager to connect with early on; his own sons are on the autism spectrum, and he calls autism awareness the cause of his life.

He also wants the team to connect with other organizations with causes that are important to the staff, and he said he hopes they will eventually have charitable partners for all of their games. 

“We’re not just a football team,” Howerton said. “We care about this community.”

The Chili Cook-Off begins at 12 p.m. on Saturday and ends at 3 p.m. There is a suggested donation price of $15 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets for both the cook-off and the game can be purchased online or at the event.