For the third year, two Santa Clarita Valley women are hosting the annual Chili Cook-off to benefit three local charities: Bridge to Home, Help the Children and LARC Ranch.

“Right after the holidays, everyone hunkers down and tightens their belts,” said Co-chair Marcy James. “Charities take the biggest hit and that’s why we host the event in March, to bring support to the local charities.”

The event this year will showcase a total of 40 amateur chefs as contestants.

“We are kind of at that phase where we need any help we can get,” said Co-chair Nicole Stinson. “Our goal this year is to double or triple what we raised last year.”

The event will be held at 5:30 pm on Friday, March 20, 2015 at the Hyatt Valencia. The price to get in is $10 per person.

“You get to taste 40 chilis and desert while enjoying entertainment,” Stinson said. “It’s a good value for your buck.”

There will also be a restaurant competition featuring Salt Creek, Egg Plantation and Wolfe Creek.

“Our focus right now is to fill up the chili cookers (list), our cap is 40,” James said. “We’re looking for sponsors to come on board, corporate or small business. You get a lot of bang for your buck with sponsorship because there is a lot of media for this event.”

The event will also feature a silent auction, kid’s corner, DJ and more. Last year, there were over 1700 people in attendance. This year, James and Stinson plan to exceed that expectation in raising much needed funds for these charities.

Things are already heating up in the kitchen as sponsors grab a seat at the table. There is still room in the kitchen for anyone who would like to sponsor this year’s Chili Cook-off.

This year, the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off is presented by title sponsor Jen Gerard of Whitening Lightning and Gerard Cosmetics, manufacturer and distributer of at home teeth whitening products and beauty products. Gerard first gained success in 2010 with Whitening Lightning, a brand that quickly earned international attention for its ability to make teeth appear whiter.

After Whitening Lightning, took off, Gerard began to release cosmetics under the same line. Gerard, a Santa Clarita Valley resident, CEO and entrepreneur who experienced international success with her teeth-whitening product, Whitening Lightning, is seeing similar results with Gerard Cosmetics, a growing line of popular beauty products.

Gerard is known not only for her savvy business success but also her generous heart in supporting the many charities that she has stepped up to support.

For more information, contact Nicole Stinson of Estate Realty Group 661-816-4234 or Marcy James of CrossCountry Mortgage at 661-755-4883.