fight fire with fire bbq cook off 1 of 11 fire with fire bbq cook off competitor/vendor packet page...

Fight Fire With Fire BBQ Cook Off Competitor/Vendor Packet of 11

We invite you to join us for the 1st Annual Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Cooking Competition benefiting the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA). Fight Fire with Fire will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013, in West Philadelphia. The event will include samples of the best BBQ in the country, plus live music, cold beverages and much more.

All proceeds from Fight Fire with Fire will benefit one of Philadelphia’s greatest community assets, Red Cross House – Center for Disaster Recovery. It is a short-term residence for disaster victims located in West Philadelphia and is the only one of its kind in the country. Last year, the Red Cross SEPA Chapter:

• Provided 156,039 nights of shelter at Red Cross House • Helped 2,740 families at the Red Cross House • Served 468,117 meals at the Red Cross House • Taught 3,138 art & music therapy programs at the Red Cross House

Our goal is to raise $35,000 to help the thousands of people served by Red Cross House and Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your participation can demonstrate, in a tangible way, your community commitment and good will, as well as allow your business to receive significant exposure to the loyal donors of the Red Cross.

You are invited to participate as a competitor and featured vendor at Fight Fire with Fire.

Your participation will require the following:

• Sample portions of BBQ enough for 500 anticipated guests • Sample portions of BBQ for the panel of celebrity judges (chicken will be provided for celebrity

judges) • Certificate of insurance • Any equipment, promotional materials or other food samples

You will receive a space 20 feet wide by 20 feet deep to set up. We will provide two (2) tables and a tent. Please bring any other necessary equipment. You can choose to grill the judges’ BBQ chicken on the day of the event or bring it prepared. The chicken for celebrity judging will be provided by Fresh Grocer, if you so choose. Please coordinate with Carly Spross to organize pick-up.


Our panel of celebrity judges will grade entries based on flavor, texture, and tenderness. The top two BBQ competitors will be publicly acknowledged and receive trophies. Our guests will also sample your food and vote for the People’s Choice BBQ Award.

To secure your space in the 1st Annual Fight Fire with Fire competition, please send a deposit check for $250 to Michelle Wigianto, Major Gifts Associate, at Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania (2221 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-299-4050.) The deposit will be returned to you, the day of the event.

Please submit the dish you will be entering in the competition to Michelle Wigianto at [email protected] or call 215-299-4050, at least two weeks in advance so we can ensure there is no overlap.

Thank you for your time, and we hope to hear from you soon. Feel free to visit fightfirewithfire.org for more information.

About Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council

Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council is a group of rising young professionals who volunteer to help raise funds and awareness for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter.


COMPETITOR/VENDOR INFORMATION

Thank you for your generous support as a Competitor for the 1st Annual Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition. The event will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at the Science Center Parking Lot at 38th and Market Street in West Philadelphia. Enclosed you will find:

• Information Sheet • List of Contacts • Guidelines and Rules • Two (2) information forms that must be returned to our office immediately • Two (2) Fight Fire with Fire Event Tickets • Four (4) Competitor/Vendor Badges for your staff • Directions to the Science Center Lot

The Science Center lot will be closed to the public starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 21st. All competitors and vendors will be able to drive into the lot with their food trucks, vans, trailers, etc. beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The event will begin at 12 p.m. and will conclude at 4p.m. We ask that your restaurant or food business complete setup by 11:30 a.m. Your table is your opportunity to showcase your company – decorations, menus and banners are all welcome. Please note that as a food and beverage sponsor, you must stay the duration of the event, and you are responsible for removing your waste at the end of the evening.

If you have any questions about the event, do not hesitate to contact Michelle Wigianto at 215-299-4050 or [email protected]


Fight Fire With Fire BBQ Information

Location: The Science Center Parking Lot

38th and Chestnut Streets

Philadelphia, PA

Date/Time: Saturday, September 21, 2013

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Contact: Michelle Wigianto at 215-299-4050 or [email protected]

American Red Cross – Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter

2221 Chestnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Providing Food:

We ask that you provide samples for 500 people to last from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Bring menu items that are BBQ-style and that help to advertise your restaurant or food business. If you have a signature dish, bring samples of that. You may also want to customize a dish for the event (Red Cross ribs, etc).

Your Area:

Your booth area is your best advertisement. The more people are drawn to your area, the more people taste your food and rave to their friends. Think of ways to decorate your table that will help people identify and remember your restaurant or food business.

The Contest:

There will be two contests for which competitors are eligible. All competitors must compete in both categories.

First, there will be a BBQ chicken competition judged by a panel of celebrity judges. Awards will be given for Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. The winner will receive a trophy and social media promotion from the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

There will also be a People’s Choice award for the competitor that receives the most votes. The People’s Choice winner will also receive a trophy.


Competitor Responsibilities:

All competitors and vendors will be given designated locations in the parking lot for their setup. Trucks, trailers, and cars can drive into the lot, and there will be no activity on the street or sidewalk. As the event date draws nearer, we will send you information regarding your location. Each restaurant or food business employee is required to wear a 2013 Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition badge. The badges are included for your convenience. No replacements will be issued so please keep them in a secure area. A maximum of FOUR (4) restaurant staff members will be permitted to the Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition. No one will be admitted without a badge. Also enclosed are your two (2) Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition Main Event Tickets that may be used at your own discretion. Please note that you must complete and return all attached forms by September 3, 2013.

Participant Identification:

Badges must be worn at all times while loading-in, setting up, working, cleaning up, and loading-out. One of the employees must be a manager or supervisor and should be on the premises to monitor setup and cleanup. Please be aware that there is alcohol at this event – therefore, we strongly advise that your employees be 21 years of age or older and that they carry proper identification. We would like the menus to be as simple as possible. Please try to create items which are self-contained and do not require dish service. Small “finger food” is best since our guests will be holding beverages too. Each restaurant/caterer should prepare enough food for 500 Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition guests.

Restaurant/Caterer Load In:

All catering/restaurant trucks will enter and exit the parking lot via 39th Street. You may not enter the parking lot before 8a.m. Please note: your team’s entry time will be sent to you two weeks prior to the event. There will be Red Cross staff and volunteers to assist you with load-in. It is important that you arrive at your load-in time. All vendors should be set up and prepared for guest arrivals no later than 11:30 a.m. The event will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m.

Kitchen and Buffet Tables:

Competitors will be provided with tables and tents, food trucks with service windows are also welcome. We encourage you to have fun and be creative with decorations for your display.

Signs:

We ask that you supply your own company sign/banner. Signs must be non-electric and should be large but no longer or wider than your assigned service area. We also encourage you to bring napkins, business cards, menus, or anything else with your company name and logo. Please note that nothing can be affixed to the fences. All signs must be free-standing or attached to the table.

Electricity:

Electricity will not be provided. Please bring your own if you will need electricity.

Plastic and Paper Goods:

The Red Cross will provide plates, forks, spoons, and paper cocktail napkins for all buffets. If you would like to order ice, please fill out the enclosed form.


Parking:

Vendors are not permitted to park in the Science Center parking lot, with the exception of pre-approved food trucks and trailers. Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers must be submitted along with the Competitor form. Other vehicles may enter the Parking Lot at 8a.m for setup but must be removed prior to 11:30 a.m. Street parking may be available. Drivers’ names, license plate numbers, and vehicle descriptions must be submitted in advance.

Alcohol:

The Red Cross strongly discourages vendors from consuming alcoholic beverages during the event. Food stations and the beer garden do not open to our guests until 12:00 p.m.; however, volunteers will serve soda and water to your staff during set-up. Please be advised that our bartenders reserve the right to request proper identification from any competitor, Red Cross staff, and volunteer. Bartenders also reserve the right to refuse service to any person that may be underage and/or intoxicated. Competitors will not be permitted to serve alcohol.

Cleanup & Breakdown Requirements:

Throughout the day, trash will be emptied by Red Cross volunteers. Please dispose of all trash in the receptacles provided and at your stations. The event concludes at 4:00 p.m. Red Cross staff and volunteers will be able to assist you as you break down your station and clean up. We ask that your area is completely cleaned and all trash is removed. You will not be able to leave until a Red Cross staff member or volunteer inspects your area.

Insurance Requirements:

The American Red Cross requires all competitors secure an Event Policy with general liability limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate to protect itself from any potential liability associated with the event. This policy may be obtained at www.eventinsurance-kk.com, www.specialeventinsurance.com or any insurance agency of your choice specializing in special event insurance. The American Red Cross does not endorse these companies or make any revenue from insurance policies issued by these and assumes no liability in connection with their operations. If said policy is purchased the Client shall file the Certificate of Insurance with American Red Cross showing the policies, limits and coverages required under this provision Seven (7) days prior to the event.

Tax Receipt:

The Red Cross will provide a receipt for your food donation, if you so choose. Please include the value of your food donation in an email to Michelle Wigianto at [email protected]

Thank You!!

Your support of the American Red Cross and the 2013 Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition is greatly appreciated.

Please enjoy the (2) enclosed event tickets as a token of our appreciation.


FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE BBQ COMPETITION 2013 CONTACTS

Katie Devine

Fight Fire With Fire Competitor Co-Chair, Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council

484-343-6541

[email protected]

Lauren Walker

Fight Fire With Fire Competitor Co-Chair, Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council

215-219-2316

[email protected]

Carly Spross

Fight Fire With Fire Marketing Co-Chair, Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council

610-622-1520 x212

[email protected]

Cass Bailey

Fight Fire With Fire Marketing Co-Chair, Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council

202-309-2263

[email protected]

Brie Coellner

Fight Fire With Fire Organizing Chair, Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council

610-955-9136

[email protected]

Elisabeth Roland

Friends of Red Cross Leadership Council Chair

215-550-1404

[email protected]

Michelle Wigianto

Major Gifts Associate, American Red Cross

215-299-4050

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]








Fight Fire With Fire BBQ Guidelines & Rules

Best BBQ Chicken Contest

The decision and interpretations of the Fight Fire with Fire Rules and Regulations are at the discretion of the Red Cross Contest Representatives at the contest. Their decisions and interpretations are final to the extent consistent with the rules. Each team shall consist of a chief cook and as many assistants as the chief cook deems necessary. Each team can use whatever chicken, spices, sauces, and garnishes at their discretion.

Each team will prepare their contest entry in advance and bring any necessary equipment. It is the responsibility of the contestant to see that the team’s assigned space is clean and orderly following the contest. It is imperative that clean-up be thorough. Any team’s assigned space left in disarray or with loose trash, other than at trash containers, may disqualify the team, and they will forfeit their space deposit.

Meat shall not be sculptured, branded or presented in a way to make it identifiable. Rosettes of meat slices are not allowed. Violations of this rule will be scored a one (1) on criteria by all judges.

Judging will begin at 2p.m. on Saturday. The allowable turn-in time will be five (5) minutes before to five (5) minutes after the posted time. A late turn-in will receive a 1 (one) in all criteria.

Garnish is optional.

Sauce is optional.

Entries will be submitted in a numbered container, provided by the contest organizers. The number must be on top of the container at turn-in.

The container shall not be marked in any way so as to make the container unique or identifiable. Aluminum foil, toothpicks, skewers, foreign material, and/or stuffing are prohibited in the container. Marked entries or containers with the above listed material will receive a one (1) in all criteria from all Judges.

Each contestant must submit at least six (6) portions of meat in an approved container.

Chicken may be submitted chopped, pulled, sliced, or diced as the cook sees fit, as long as there is enough for six (6) judges. Judges may not cut, slice, or shake apart to separate pieces. If there is not enough meat for each judge to sample, the shorted judge(s) will score a one (1) on all criteria, and the judges having samples will change the Appearance score to one (1).

The following cleanliness and safety rules will apply:

• No use of any tobacco products while handling meat. • Cleanliness of the cook, assistant cooks, cooking device(s) and the team’s assigned space is required. • Shirt and shoes are required to be worn. • Proper sanitizing procedures should be used at all times.

CAUSES FOR DISQUALIFICATION & EVICTION of a team, its members and/or guests: A cook team is responsible jointly and severally for its head cook, its team members and its guests.

a. Use of alcoholic beverages or public intoxication with a disturbance.

b. Serving alcoholic beverages to the general public.


c. Use of illegal controlled substances.

d. Foul, abusive, or unacceptable language or any language causing a disturbance.

e. Fighting and/or disorderly conduct.

f. Theft, dishonesty, cheating, use of prohibited meats, or any act involving moral turpitude.

g. Violation of any of the FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE’S Cook’s Rules above.

Excessive or continued complaints from teams on any of the above rule infractions shall be considered grounds for immediate disqualification from the contest by FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE’S Representatives, Organizers and/or Security. In addition, any violation of the above rules shall be reported to the FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE’S Red Cross representatives who may, in addition to the above disqualification impose additional penalties upon the team, the head cook, and its members including but not limited to disqualification from competing in FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE events for a period of time not to exceed five years.

CLARIFICATION: If product is turned in and is disqualified, it receives a one (1) in all criteria. If the team does not turn in a product or is disqualified and not allowed to turn in, that team’s category is not judged and receives no score. If a product is turned in and then disqualified for late turn-in, it is not judged and will receive a one (1) in all criteria.


Fight Fire With Fire BBQ Judging Procedures

FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE allows for blind judging only. Entries will be submitted in an approved FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE numbered container provided by the contest organizer. The container may be renumbered by the FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE Contest Rep or authorized personnel before being presented to the judges.

Judging will be done by no more than nine celebrity judges.

Each judge will first score all the samples for appearance of the meat. The turn-in containers will then be passed around the table and each judge will place a sample from each of the containers in the appropriate box on the judging plate.

Judges shall not lick their fingers while taking these samples; paper towels, non-scented wipes or damp wash cloths are preferred. The judge will then score each entry for taste and tenderness, before moving on to the next entry.

The scoring system is from 9 to 2, all whole numbers between two and nine may be used to score an entry. 9 excellent, 8 very good, 7 above average, 6 average, 5 below average, 4 poor, 3 bad, and 2 inedible.

The low score will be thrown out. Results will be tallied. If there is a tie in one of it will be broken as follows: The scores will be compared (counting all seven judges) for the highest cumulative scores in taste, then tenderness, then appearance. If still tied, then the low score, which was thrown out, will be compared and the higher of the low scores will break the tie. If still tied, then a coin toss will be used. In the event of lost, destroyed or missing score cards, the remaining score cards will be averaged in each category and those averages shall be used as the missing scores on replacement score cards. After there are six total score cards, the normal procedure will be followed for dropping the low score.

These correct scores will be the official scores for any and all FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE’S purposes.

Total points per entry will determine the champion.

The winning competitor will receive:

• A championship trophy • Press release on competitor’s behalf from the Red Cross SEPA Chapter • Facebook/Twitter promotion courtesy of Red Cross SEPA Chapter • Featured logo, link, and blurb on Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition website

Best BBQ People’s Choice

• Each guest receives one ticket upon checking in • The guests can taste any / all restaurants’ food items • Upon tasting food samples, the guest can pick which restaurant had the best overall

presentation, taking into account taste, décor, and service • Each guest may only vote once • Restaurants may not remove tickets from their own or any other vendors’ voting container at

any time • The Red Cross staff will collect the voting containers at approximately 3:30 p.m. and calculate

the winner • The winner will be announced at the Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Competition and will receive an

award.


Fight Fire With Fire BBQ Policies and Information

Your organization has been committed to perform services at Fight Fire with Fire BBQ Cook-Off on September 21, 2013. This form is required to be complete by a representative of your organization and returned via fax or email. Access to University City Science Center Parking Lot will not be allowed, should the form not be on file with the American Red Cross. You will be contacted with all specific information regarding regulations as well as procedures on unloading, staff parking, badging, etc., that your organization will require in order to execute these services as smoothly as possible.

Additionally, one month prior to the event, contractors are required to provide a certificate of insurance naming University City Science Center as additionally insured. The certificate of insurance must be in the amount of $1,000,000 (or more) combined single limit bodily injury and broad form property damage, including move-in and move out. Please forward a copy of the certificate of insurance with this completed form.

IMPORTANT: A $150 cleanup fee will be charged to the event sponsor for any cleanup/debris removal needed following the event. Due to scheduling changes, construction, etc., spaces assigned for vendor storage, setup, or other use is not guaranteed. Failure to abide by these regulations enables American Red Cross to terminate the contract.

I have read the Policies and Information:

Signed: __________________________________ Date: ____________

Please fax completed form and copy of the certificate of insurance to 215-299-4089. If you have any questions regarding this form, please call Michelle Wigianto at 215-299-4050.

Company Name ___________________________________________________________

Contracted Services ________________________________________________________

Vendor Address____________________________________________________________

Phone Number _____________________ Fax Number_________________________

E-mail Address _____________________________________________________________

Vendor Contact _____________________________________________________________

fight fire with fire bbq cook off 1 of 11 fire with fire bbq cook off competitor/vendor packet page...

Documents