450 people attend Stars, Stripes and Chow, most ever in event’s history
The Baltimore Station, a residential and community-based treatment program supporting veterans and others transitioning from homelessness and substance use disorder to self-sufficiency, recently hosted its annual Stars, Stripes & Chow chili cook-off. More than 450 people attended the event, which was presented by M&T Bank, on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The event raised more than $55,000 that will directly support services for individuals in The Baltimore Station program.
Teams participating in the chili competition represented the area’s business and nonprofit community. Emerging as the judges’ pick for “Best Chili” was MartinFederal, also known as the “MartinFederal Pit Crew,” and the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) once again took home the “People’s Choice” award for its “It Ain’t Easy Being Green” chili. The “Best Booth” award went to MMHA for its nostalgic Muppets theme featuring Fozzie, Kermit, Animal and The Swedish Chef. MartinFederal also took home the trophy for “Top Fundraiser.”
“It was amazing to bring our supporters back together in person this year. The excitement and energy helped us have one of our most successful chili cook-offs since launching the event seven years ago,” said Kim Callari, deputy director, The Baltimore Station. “This event goes far beyond delicious chili, good music and fun. The day is all about supporting the veterans who have done so much for this country and everyone came through for the veterans this year.”
Endless samples of original chili recipes delighted guests while Pizza di Joey Food Truck supplemented the menu by generously contributing his Baltimore’s Best pizza, along with a full lunch spread provided by Chow Corp and City Limits supplied the open bar of beer, wine, soda and water. Bands of all ages from Soundcheck Rock Academy in Columbia, Md., provided the entertainment with music ranging from classic rock to today’s hits. With the expanded kid’s zone, families with children of all ages enjoyed activities like the caricature drawings, a cupcake decorating station, a petting zoo by Ferrets & Friends, sidewalk games and more.
About The Baltimore Station
The Baltimore Station provides therapeutic residential and community-based outpatient treatment programs to individuals—primarily veterans—dealing with homelessness and substance use disorder. Its innovative programming helps break the cycle of poverty and supports individuals as they become self-sufficient members of society. Accredited by one of the nation’s most prestigious accrediting bodies for rehabilitation facilities, The Baltimore Station is the area’s largest VA funded Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program and the only long-term residential program, providing up to 24 months of clinical care and life skills development to encourage a smoother transition to the real world and guaranteed lifelong success. In addition to its residential program, The Baltimore Station provides outpatient programming to provide therapeutic relapse prevention services to those recovering from substance use disorder and also workforce development programming that provides residential services that facilitate stabilization and transition to permanent housing and sustainable income. At The Baltimore Station, we turn lives around. www.baltimorestation.org.
