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The St. Susan Center will host a cooking competition with a new twist starting in September.
The center will host Battle of the Badges: The Ladle Showdown, as a sequel to St. Susan Center's "So You Think You Can Cook" competition. The four-week culinary showdown will feature police, fire and EMS teams from across Chautauqua County while raising money for a much-needed walk-in freezer for St. Susan Center. The competition will be held Sept. 3, 10 and 17 and conclude with a championship finale on September 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Teams will prepare a signature soup for audience tasting along with a timed mystery basket appetizer and entrée challenge. Audience members will vote for the People's Choice Best Soup while judges score creativity, presentation, teamwork and execution.
Proceeds from Battle of the Badges will help St. Susan Center purchase a walk-in freezer and refrigeration equipment, expanding its ability to safely store food and continue serving nutritious meals to individuals and families throughout the community.
"At St. Susan Center, we witness every day how a meal can change someone's life," said Cherie Rowland, executive director of St. Susan Center. "This event is about much more than food, it's about relationships. Around our tables, people find friendship, dignity, compassion, and hope. Battle of the Badges celebrates those same values while honoring the first responders who dedicate their lives to serving our community."
Volunteers, competitors and sponsors can email Bonnie Kyle at secretary@stsusancenter.org for more information and event inquiries.Melissa Paterniti, event coordinator, said more than 30 invitation packets have been sent to area police, fire and EMS departments throughout Chautauqua County.
"When the original event was held in 2022, I was not part of the planning team, but I was asked to step in at the last minute," said Melissa Paterniti, event coordinator. "I had only a few short hours to prepare a soup, and by the end of the evening I had won the People's Best Soup award. It was an unforgettable experience that sparked my passion for this event. Now, four years later, I'm honored to be coordinating the next chapter. I am not standing behind the stove, I'm working behind the scenes with volunteers, board members, first responders, sponsors and community partners to make this the biggest and best fundraiser for St. Susan Center. I'm incredibly excited by the response from our community already. Nearly every judging position has been filled, and the support we've received from businesses, volunteers, first responders, sponsors and community members has been overwhelming. On behalf of St. Susan Center, thank you to everyone who has stepped forward before the event has even begun."
Councilman Andrew Faulkner, R-Ward 6, attended the So You Think You Can Cook competition and will serve as a judge of this year's fundraiser.
"I was excited to hear the event was returning in 2026, and even more honored when Missy asked me to serve as a judge for one of this year's competitions. It's a great opportunity to cheer on members of our police, fire, and EMS departments as they enjoy some friendly competition, all while supporting the incredible work of St. Susan Center," Faulkner said.
For more information or to support St. Susan Center, visit stsusancenter.org.