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.
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.”
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.
Tickets are available at alexwsmithfoundation.org or by emailing alexwsmithfoundation@gmail.com.
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.
