SCSDB Foundation's Cook-Off

For 15 years, the So You Think You Can Cook Chili Cook-Off has been the signature fundraising event for the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind.  Over 115 teams and 40 judges have participated in the event.  We have raised over $1.1 million for the students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind (SCSDB).  However, this year we are excited to try something new.  This year our teams will be cooking TACOS!  There are so many new possibilities with this change, and we are excited to see the creativity of the teams in both recipes and table decorations.  We are so thrilled to have Southern States Packaging Company back as our Presenting Sponsor.  With the help of individuals like you, we can continue to build a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Country Club of Spartanburg for a night of fun.  Come watch our judges try all the different teams tacos.  Guests will be able to taste all the different tacos and cast votes for their favorite team. 

We have 4 Award categories: Judge’s Choice, Best Table Presentation, Community Choice and Taster's Choice.

Judge’s Choice

It’s time to impress the BEST! Teams will need to challenge themselves and bring their best recipe to impress this year’s SPICY panel of distinguished judges.  Our fantastic judges will be judging on taste, aroma, and originality! Please refrain from bribing the judges!

Best Table Presentation

This year our teams will be cooking tacos.  We are excited to see how the teams choose to decorate their table along this theme.  Come see how creative our teams can be.

Community Choice (Begins January 2nd)

While the Cook Off is a food event, it is, more importantly, a fundraising event.  Formerly known as the People’s Choice Award, this award will be given to the team that raises the most money by noon on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Friends, family, colleagues, anyone can purchase votes in advance to support your team!!!  Votes are $1 each and can be purchased online, by calling SC School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation at (864) 577-7583, or at the event.  This is your chance to tell your friends near and far to VOTE EARLY & VOTE OFTEN!!!

All teams that raise $1,500 before the event will win our Golden Spoon Award!

Taster's Choice

The Taster’s Choice Award will be given to the team that raises the most money during the Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Votes are $1 each and can be purchased by placing money in the bowl on each team’s table, by visiting www.scsdbfoundation.org, or by visiting the registration table in the lobby of the Country Club of Spartanburg.

Find our more about our different sponsorship levels here: 

Sponsorship Opportunities

To sponsor at one of the following levels, please click here and select Chili Cook-Off from the drop down menu.