A Night That Proved the Power of Community
February 26, 2026
2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off & Best Brewers Awards
February 20th, 2026
Wow — our 2nd Annual Competitive Chili Cook-Off & Best Brewers Awards was a HOT success, and it’s all because of you.
Thanks to our incredible community, we raised just shy of $12,000 in support for our Recreation Program — providing flexible funding that allows us to continue delivering innovative, life-enriching opportunities for the individuals we support. These unrestricted dollars ensure we can respond to emerging needs, expand creative programming, and continue building experiences that support full, dignified, and limitless lives for people with varied disabilities.
And beyond the dollars raised? The energy in the room was something special.
The ballroom was full, lively, and warmer than we could have imagined. Residents, staff, student interns, community partners, vendors, sponsors, and longtime HBI friends gathered under one roof. Even if you didn’t know a thing about Homeward Bound, Inc. walking in, the spirit of belonging and celebration spoke for itself.
That’s the importance of community.
That’s the heart of this event.
The Chili Showdown
12 Teams. One Golden Pot.
We had 12 seriously competitive chili teams ready for battle, each bringing their very best pot to compete for glory.
As many of you remember, our 2025 Champion — Texas Chainsaw Co. (New Hope Lions) — had set the bar high last year. The question on everyone’s mind:
Would they defend their title… or would a new champion rise?
It was close, friends. Very close.
🏆 And the 2026 Chili Champion Is…
Embassy Suites Hotel stole the show with their kickin’ chili, sweeping the competition with a landslide 43 votes! They claimed the coveted Golden Chili Pot and officially earned the title of 2026 Chili Champion.
In a peaceful (and slightly spicy) transfer of power, Texas Chainsaw Co. secured second place with 22 votes — and didn’t leave empty-handed. They also won Best Theme/Costume, bringing the energy, creativity, and crowd engagement we’ve come to love.
And sneaking right into third place?
Our very own HBI family team — Chili Chili Bang Bang — with an impressive 20 votes.
The competition was fierce, the flavors were bold, and the votes were hard-earned.
Best Brewers Awards
The Best Brewers competition was just as exciting.
🥇 Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative took home their very first Best Brewer title.
🥈 La Doña Cervecería followed closely behind in second.
🥉 Third Street Brewhouse rounded out the top three.
From rich stouts to crisp lagers, our brewery partners elevated the evening and helped create an experience that felt celebratory, inclusive, and community-driven.
More Than a Fundraiser
Crock pots were scraped to the bottom.
Bellies were full.
Hearts were happy.
But what made the night unforgettable wasn’t just the competition — it was the connection.
Events like this do more than raise funds. They bring people together across roles and relationships. Residents and staff laugh side by side with sponsors. Interns network with community partners. Vendors become long-term supporters. New guests leave understanding our mission in a way that statistics alone could never capture.
That is the power of gathering with purpose.
At Homeward Bound, Inc., recreation is not “extra.” It is essential. It is community outings, adaptive programming, social connection, skill building, confidence, joy, and belonging. Your support ensures those opportunities continue to grow.
Thank You
To our attendees (and judges!), chili teams, brewers, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and staff — thank you for believing in our mission and for your unwavering support.
You showed up.
You voted.
You tasted.
You toasted.
You gave.
And because of you, our Recreation Program continues to thrive.
Missed the Event? You Can Still Make an Impact.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can still support the individuals and programs at Homeward Bound, Inc. by making a gift online.
Together, we’re building a community that believes in full, dignified, limitless lives.
And we can’t wait to turn up the heat again next year. 🌶️
News / Uncategorized /
