Paragus Firehouse Cook-Off raises record $30K for Worcester Fire Department 6K
The 4th Annual Paragus Firehouse Cook Off set a new fundraising record this month, drawing more than 300 attendees to Polar Park and raising $30,000 for two local causes.
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The fundraiser aims to benefit the Worcester Fire Department 6K, which honors the memory of the “Worcester 6” firefighters, and DetectTogether, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting early cancer detection.
The Aug. 12 event brought together Worcester firehouses to showcase their culinary skills, with dishes ranging from egg rolls to empanadas, flatbreads, chicken and waffles, and more.
Judges included Sen. Mike Moore, Worcester Wares founder Jessica Walsh, Mark Abdella of Fontaine Bros. Construction, Quinn’s Irish Pub and Quinn’s Blue Plate owner Tim Quinn, and Mayor Joe Petty. The event was hosted by Mike Hsu and Radio Worcester’s Hank Stolz.
For the first time in the competition’s history, a dessert won the Judge’s Prize: a flourless chocolate torte with raspberry reduction created by Franklin Street Firehouse Group 3. The People’s Choice Prize went to Franklin Street Firehouse Group 1 for its Italian Beef Supermelt sandwich.
Founded by Paragus I.T., an employee-owned technology firm that expanded to Worcester in 2021, the cook-off was launched as a way to support local causes while strengthening community ties.
“The Firehouse Cook Off is always a blast,” said Paragus CEO Delcie Bean. “But this year we’re especially proud to have surpassed our previous fundraising goals. A big thank you to the sponsors and judges, the Polar Park staff, and especially to the firefighters and their families, and all the attendees who came out to show their support.”
by: John Budenas
