This year the second day of spring is expected to come with some serious heat … hot, chili-pepper heat, that is. Forty five local chefs will share their favorite chili recipes at the 7th Annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off on March 21 at The Oaks of Valencia Club.

“This fun event has become increasingly popular each year, which really makes a difference for the organizations it has supported over the years,” said event co-CHAIR Steve Portaro. He, along with fellow co-founder Nicole Stinson, expect this year’s event to sell out. Nicole said, “The SCV Charity Chili Cook-off is a great event to meet up after work with your co-workers and friends, AND FAMILY ,to taste some spectacular chili’s, enjoy cocktail, dance, bid on silent auction items and most importantly, raise some money for charity.”

The fee to enter the chili contest is $125. Prizes will be awarded to the 3 Best Chilis. People’s Choice and Judges Choice categories and Best Decorated Booth. For more information, visit www.scvcharitychilicookoff.com.

We are very excited to announce our 3 judges this year, Karli Webster who was a finalist on “the Voice” Season 13, Karen “Doc” Halligan who has appeared on Animal Planet, she frequently appears on Dogs 101, Cats 101 and Americas’ Cutest Pets and she currently has a regular segment on KTLA “Ask the doc.” She practices general medicine and surgery at Marina Veterinary Center in Westchester and is The Chief Veterinary Officer for The Lucy Pet Foundation and Leslie Kaz local Culinary Chef.

Each year proceeds from the event benefit a local nonprofit organization. This year funds will be given to Shelter Hope Pet Shop and St. Bonnies Sanctuary/Lange Foundation.

Attendees will enjoy live music from Gruven Tom & Jerry Danielsen and music played by DJ Silvertunes Entertainment, silent auction and a 50/50 opportunity drawing. In addition to 45 YUMMY CHILI TO TASTE, and a variety of vendor booths and the giant Lucy Wave Surf Machine on display with actual surfing dogs as well as dogs available for adoption.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and general admission is $30. A limited number of advance-purchase VIP tickets are available for $65, which includes early entry at 5:30 p.m., one drink ticket, VIP lounge access, VIP preferred parking, swag bag and VIP hors d’oeuvres and chair massages compliments of Diane Stacy. To register as a chili chef or purchase tickets, visit www.scvcharitychilicookoff.com

Sponsors to date include: Schlick Art, Wolf Creek Restaurant, Silvertunes Entertainment, Logix Federal Credit Union, Home Bridge Financial, Finance of America Mortgage, SCV Gazette, Via Promotional, KHTS Radio, The Signal Newspaper, Camelot Moving, Pacific Trust Escrow, Loan Depot, Southland Regional Association of Realtors, Bank of the Sierra, Salt Creek Grille, Remax of SCV, Rent Source, Newhall escrow, Magazine of SCV, Skycrest signs, Stark Social Media, Event staffing professionals, Tristar Mortgage, Law offices of Robert Miles, Creative Years School, Judith Cassis, SCV Chamber of Commerce, The Oaks Club of Valencia, SOS Entertainment, North View Escrow, Socal Magic Mirror, Nothing Bundt Cake, Jill’s Cake Creations, Valleywide Escrow, A1 PARTY, Diane Stacy , Roxanne Flett, AV party rentals, Decenni Custom Furniture.