The First Annual First Responders Chili Cook-Off powered by Kelleher Law will take place on Saturday, March 28, beginning at 11 a.m. at The Mini Bar, located at 1200 Central Ave. in the Naples Design District.
This community-focused event will bring together local firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel from across Collier County to compete in a friendly chili cook-off competition while celebrating the individuals who serve and protect the community every day.
Participating teams will consist of first responder groups, such as fire stations, police departments and EMS crews, each bringing their own homemade chili recipes for attendees and judges to taste and evaluate. Entry into the competition is free for all first responder teams, and the winning team will receive a $1,000 cash prize along with bragging rights as the inaugural First Responders Chili Cook-Off champion.
Guests attending the event will enjoy a lively afternoon featuring chili tastings, live music, community raffles and a festive atmosphere celebrating Naples’ first responder community.
A special highlight of the event will be a charity raffle featuring a one-of-a-kind martini glass signed by television personality Judge Judy and artistically decorated by Naples artist PJ White in a first responders tribute design. Raffle tickets will be $250 each, with proceeds benefiting local first responders in Collier County.
The raffle is presented by the Celebrity Martini Glass Auction (CMGA), one of Naples’ most distinctive philanthropic events. CMGA brings together local artists, community leaders and sponsors to create one-of-a-kind martini glasses that are auctioned to raise funds for veteran-focused charities, including Take a Soldier Fishing, Warrior Homes of Collier, Segs for Vets, and Gulf Coast Veterans and Friends. The annual Celebrity Martini Glass Auction will take place on Nov. 6, 2026, at The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre on Fifth Avenue South.
The Chili Cook-Off is hosted by The Mini Bar, which will serve as the event’s exclusive restaurant and cocktail provider, offering food and beverage service throughout the day.
The event is made possible through the support of several community-minded sponsors:
Headline Sponsor: Kelleher Law, a Naples-based law firm known for advocating for individuals and families across Southwest Florida.
Official Music Sponsor: Celebrity Martini Glass Auction (CMGA), a Naples-based philanthropic initiative supporting veteran and community-focused charitable causes through its annual martini glass auction fundraising event.
Badge & Boots Sponsor: Acres Plumbing, a locally owned and operated plumbing company that has proudly served the Naples and Southwest Florida community for over 50 years. Acres Plumbing provides residential and commercial plumbing services and has built a reputation for dependable service, experienced technicians and long-standing community involvement.
For additional information, sponsorship opportunities or to register a first responder team, please contact Jessy Lee at jlee@cmcnaples.com.
About the Celebrity Martini Glass Auction
Co-chaired by Christopher and Rochelle Shucart, the Celebrity Martini Glass Auction (CMGA) was started in 2008 when Brenda Melton asked friends to design a martini glass as a toast to “Sex and the City” Cosmopolitan cocktail. Inspired by her friends’ creativity, she later asked the films’ stars to sign glasses for a “Sex and the City 2” debut party. Those glasses were auctioned by the Naples International Film Festival, raising $15,000. The event became a must-have invitation, and grew to raise nearly $5 million for charities, primarily for veterans. For information and to donate, visit TheCMGA.org.
Dining and Cooking