Women’s Club of Coconut Creek to Host Chili Cook-Off to Benefit Students and Teachers

by Sharon Aron Baron November 2, 2026

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The Women’s Club of Coconut Creek will host its annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Nov. 14, during the city’s Fall Harvest Festival at Sabal Pines Park.

Five local restaurants and food businesses will compete in the fundraiser, which will support student scholarships and teacher grants.

Participating businesses include Backa Yaad Cooking, Chef Secret, Papamigos, Texas Roadhouse and World of Beer Bar & Kitchen.

Festival attendees can sample chili from each competitor and vote for their favorite by purchasing a $20 tasting passport, which includes five chili samples, cornbread, water and a ballot.

Public tasting and voting will take place from 2:30 to 5 p.m. The winner will receive the Creek’s Choice Award.

Alexis Martinez, a culinary arts instructor at Atlantic Technical College and High School, will determine a separate Chef’s Choice Award.

“For us, the best recipe for a strong community starts with people coming together,” said Laura McDermott Matheric, president of the Women’s Club of Coconut Creek. “This cook-off gives neighbors a fun way to support local businesses while investing in students and teachers. We’re serving up a little friendly rivalry with a generous helping of purpose—and we hope everyone comes hungry!”

The cook-off will be held alongside the club’s annual Handicraft Market, a longtime feature of the city’s Fall Harvest Festival.

Proceeds from tasting passport sales will benefit the club’s scholarship and teacher grant fund.

During the 2025-26 club year, the organization awarded $5,000 in student scholarships and $2,200 in teacher grants. The club also paid off outstanding student lunch debt in Coconut Creek public schools.

Since its founding, the club has awarded $357,850 in scholarships to 472 Coconut Creek students pursuing college or trade education.

The event will take place on the west side of the field at Sabal Pines Park at 5005 NW 39th Ave.

Tasting passports can be purchased in advance at the event’s registration page. Cashless purchases will also be available at the festival while supplies last.

Additional restaurants interested in competing can contact President@WomensClubCoconutCreek.com.

For more information, visit WomensClubCoconutCreek.com.

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