We know that the Dads Club here at Roosevelt plays an important role in supporting the school and the kids and families who are part of it. A similar group exists at our neighboring school, Franklin Elementary, and the Franklin Dads Club has stepped up to support our event with RedHOT Chili (Peppers). Their lead singer/dad/chef Michael Higashi says “RedHOT Chili is for rockstar chili lovers. Edgy, tasty, and fiery for a performance you’ll never forget! Franklin Dads Club is known for its energy, diversity and gourmet cooking. We are pulling together the best creative minds and palettes to introduce Burlingame to RedHOT Chili.” Thanks, Michael. Brew up your batch and get ready to Give it Away, Give it Away, Give it Away, Now (er…well on Sunday).
Kelly Duncan is another neighboring school dad. He’s from McKinley, and is promoting their big fundraiser, the McKinley Harvest Festival that takes place on October 21st and 22nd. Kelly enters the Cook-Off with an intriguing chili called Choco-tastic Weird Science. “This is a Texas-style all meat marvel with a southwestern flare. Its secret ingredient is chocolate which adds an unexpected twist to our already smoky-spicy mix.” Sounds like a mole sauce. My kids made something like that last Halloween when they threw their clothes in the laundry without pulling the Hershey’s Special Dark and Hot Tamales candies out of their pockets. Yours sounds tastier and will definitely be easier to clean up.
Roosevelt parent Philippe Bishop is a first-time contestant in the Chili Cook-Off. He entered after his 5th grade daughter Laurène begged and pleaded since it’s her last year at Roosevelt. “To quote Nelson Mandela (because we all know that Mr. Hills loves a good quote), ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’” As for the chili: “ABCs – Back to Basics chili is a good ole’ down-home chili that gets back to basics – fresh, high quality ingredients and a classic recipe. It’s just like learning your ABCs.” And which famous person would most enjoy your chili? “Dennis Hills, since he knows the importance of learning your ABCs.” Hey, Philippe, is that chili on your nose?
Our final entry comes from another McKinley dad, Dermott Larkin. Thanks for supporting our event, McKinley! You’ve earned another plug – we’ll certainly look forward to your Harvest Festival on October 21st and 22nd. Dermott is a big sports guy – you’ll often see him coaching his kids or swinging the softball bat with the dads. He can catch a can o’ corn with the best of them, but his Bulldog Smokin’ Chipotle chili is definitely not from a can. What famous person would most enjoy your chili? “Well, it’d have to be Roosevelt dad, Don Clark, seeing how he rounded up so many chili cook dads from the other Burlingame schools. That guy must enjoy chili, and I’m happy to serve it to him.”
Thank you, contestants. You’re helping us continue such a great fall tradition – for 15 years and counting. We can’t wait to see you on Sunday, with smiling faces and hot chili!
-Matt Potter, CCO Co-Chair
