The Alex W. Smith Foundation will host the 7th Annual “Alex’s Chili Cook-Off for a Cause” on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Range + Rye (formerly Greystone Brew House), 303 Golf Club Ave., Dillsburg, PA. The event will also serve as a special celebration of what would have been Alex’s 30th birthday.
Alex, a HACC Culinary Arts graduate, went on to work as a chef apprentice at Greystone before his tragic passing in 2018. Guided by their mission of “bringing people together with food,” the Smith family and Foundation continue Alex’s legacy by raising funds for Central Pennsylvania student scholarships, including the Alex W. Smith Foundation Culinary Scholarship at HACC and scholarships for local high school students.
Premier Bragging Rights Sponsor: Renewal by Andersen of Central PA/The Birner Group
Foundation President and Alex’s mom, Terri Smith, said, “Each year, we are uplifted by the incredible support of the Central PA community, our family, culinary students, Alex’s friends, and the wonderful chefs and sponsors who help us honor our beautiful son while supporting students who share his passion for food and cooking.
This year’s event is especially meaningful as we celebrate what would have been Alex’s 30th birthday. When Alex passed away, he was an accomplished chef apprentice who also loved sports and serving in Children’s Ministry. He had a huge heart and was an energetic, ambitious 22-year-old who brought joy to everyone he met. Alex dreamed of one day opening his own restaurant and sharing his love of great food with others.
That’s why we created the annual Chili Cook-Off—to celebrate his life, bring the community together, and create fun for all. The Alex W. Smith Foundation allows us to honor our amazing son, keep his memory alive, celebrate the life he lived and the milestone he would have reached this year, and carry on his legacy by investing in the next generation of culinary students.”
Event Details – Media and The Public Are Invited to Attend
Who: Alex W. Smith Foundation
What: Alex’s Chili Cook-Off for a Cause 2026 – 7th Anniversary, Presented by Premier Sponsor Renewal by Andersen of Central PA/The Birner Group
Where: Range + Rye, (formerly Greystone Brew House,) 303 Golf Club Ave., Dillsburg, PA
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Available at alexwsmithfoundation.org or by emailing [email protected].
Admission: Adults: $25 at the door ($20 Early Bird through August 31, 2026); Children (ages 6–12): $10; Family Package (2 adults, 2 children): $55.
Event Highlights
- Unlimited chili tastings from top local restaurants and talented amateur chefs
- Live music, raffles, door prizes, and family-friendly games
- Cash bar plus kid-friendly food options, including hot dogs and more
- Chef competition featuring professional and amateur divisions
Giving Back
All event proceeds benefit Central Pennsylvania students pursuing culinary arts through scholarship awards established in Alex’s memory. The Foundation also proudly supports the Alex W. Smith Foundation Culinary Scholarship at HACC. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation received helps expand scholarship opportunities for deserving students who share Alex’s passion for cooking and hospitality.
A Fun Community Tradition
Bring your appetite and enjoy an afternoon of award-winning chili, live entertainment, exciting raffles, door prizes, games, and activities for all ages. Whether you’re sampling chili from some of the area’s best restaurants and home chefs, relaxing with friends, or watching the chef competition, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly community event.
As of August 10th, participants include Professional Chefs: Range + Rye at Greystone Brew House, Greystone Public House, The Chocolatier, ACF Harrisburg Chapter, Sysco, Chef Tom with more to come…
Amateur Chefs: Linda Johnston & Nancy Ryan of Renewal by Andersen, Dauphin County Technical School, HACC Culinary Arts Program, Gregory Wissler, And…Stay tuned for more!
If you are still interested in becoming a sponsor or to wish to purchase tickets for this event or participate as a chef, please contact [email protected] or visit alexwsmithfoundation.org. Deadline for chefs to sign up is 10-2-26:
Sponsors to date include:
Range + Rye (formerly Greystone Brew House), Greystone Public House, Renewal by Andersen of Central PA, Modjeski & Masters Inc., LM Gnazzo Promotion Strategies, Sysco Foods, Katrina Kaylor, Nancy Elhajj, Word of Grace Ministries, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Mixed Up Productions LLC, Robert Vogt, Salon on Forty Third, Sons and Daughters of Italy, The Hershey Co., Wizway Maintenance, Get It Now Print.
About The Alex W. Smith Foundation:
The Alex W. Smith Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to honor the life and legacy of our beloved son, Alex Smith, who tragically passed away in 2018 at the age of 22. Alex was an energetic, compassionate, and ambitious young man who graduated from HACC’s Culinary Arts program and was a talented chef apprentice at Greystone Public House. He dreamed of one day opening his own restaurant and sharing his love of great food with others.
Today, the Foundation carries that dream forward by providing culinary scholarships to Central Pennsylvania high school students who share Alex’s passion for cooking and hospitality. The Foundation also proudly supports the Alex W. Smith Foundation Culinary Scholarship at HACC, helping aspiring chefs pursue their education while ensuring Alex’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.