By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Get ready to stir up some fun. Cypress Creek’s beloved annual Chili Cook-off is back, and it’s serving up more than just great flavors.
“We’re so grateful to all of the people who have supported us since we opened our doors in 1999, and being part of this community for so many years has meant a great deal to our family,” said Jim Biggins, owner of Cypress Creek Assisted Living. “We love having the opportunity to give back by opening our doors twice a year to share some laughs, good food and, most importantly, companionship. Our annual Chili Cook-off is one of those days we look forward to every year.”
This year’s tasty event will be held at the residence, 970 Cypress Village Blvd., Ruskin, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 6. You and your friends are invited to come enjoy a couple of hours of chili tasting, drinks and dessert plus friendly competition and community spirit — all for the great cause of supporting Southern States Bully Rescue.
Admission is free.
You don’t have to stay the whole time but you’ll probably want to. When you arrive, you’ll receive a poker chip to use to vote for your favorite of eight to 10 different homemade chili samples. The cook with the most votes is crowned the People’s Choice winner.
There’s still time to sign up and enter your own pot of chili in the competition. All that’s required is a crock pot of your favorite recipe — and you to serve it. Tasting cups, napkins and utensils are provided.
Julia Rosado playfully fans her mouth after tasting one of 10 chili samples at the 2025 Cypress Creek ALF Chili Cook-off.
This year’s three guest judges will choose the Judges’ Choice winner. The
This three-person panel will select the Judges’ Choice winner at this year’s Cypress Creek Chili Cook-off: HCSO Master Deputy Jeff Merry; Bonnie Peacock, executive director of the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce; and Sarah Baez, CSA senior placement specialist with CarePatrol of Bradenton and SouthShore.
panel will include Master Deputy Jeff Merry, of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; Bonnie Peacock, executive director of the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce; and Sarah Baez, CSA senior placement specialist with CarePatrol of Bradenton and SouthShore.
Each winner receives a bouquet of Florida Lottery tickets and well-deserved
bragging rights.
The event will include tours of the facility for those who want one.
And here’s
another huge way your votes count.
Cypress Creek ALF staff is honoring its ambassador dogs this year by donating $2 for every vote cast — a minimum of $300 — and making a donation to the Southern States Bully Rescue, a foster-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit rescue.
All three Cypress Creek ALF ambassador dogs — Bleu, Abby and Theo — were rescued from the organization. They’re beloved and a favorite part of daily life for staff members, residents and visitors.
“People walk through our doors looking for the dogs first,” said administrator Kate Johnston. “There are so many great rescue organizations out there, and every dog is a blessing. Our heart is pulled to SSBR because many of their dogs come from abuse and neglect situations.
“As part of our celebration this year, we’re honoring the joy, comfort and companionship our three dogs bring to everyone here, and we hope to help more deserving dogs find loving homes of their own,” she said.
To RSVP as a taster or chili cook, email joy@cypresscreekalf.com or call 813-633-7777.