Marisa Vincent of Howland finally returned home last week after being hospitalized since she was involved in an accident May 25 when a Bobcat loader fell on her.
On Aug. 31, local business members and community members joined in a special tailgate party and chili cook-off to help raise money to complete handicapped modifications to her family's home and vehicle. Eastwood Field set the stage for 17 cook-off participants, two local bands, and various activities throughout the day.
Prior to the Scrapper's game, Marisa threw out the first pitch of the game.
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers presented awards for the 2012 Scrappers Best-Dog Gone Chili Cook Off. Awards were presented in the following categories:
Judge's Choice in the Professional Division:
First Place: Wing Warehouse, Niles with their House Recipe
Second Place: Ice House Inn, Austintown with their Full House Chili
Third Place: Robbins Avenue Pizza, Niles with their Pizza Shop's Chili
Judge's Choice in Amateur Division:
First Place: Joy Squibbs, Hubbard, with her Smokin-Hot Chili Queen chili
Second Place: Ross Thompson, Howland with his 9Alarm Beef Bonanza
Third Place: Mike Hileman, Austintown with his Smokin Tom Turkey Chili
People's Choice Winners:
Professional: Aulizio's Catering and Banquet Center with their White chicken Chili
Amateur: Joy Squibbs of Hubbard with her Smokin-Hot Chili Queen
In addition to the tailgate party, festivities continued throughout the game, featuring a special cheer performance by the Dream Team, the cheer group that Marisa belonged to prior to her accident; a personal thank you by Marisa was displayed on the playboard with the help of MDI Studios; and a display of hearts were shot up into the air during a special fireworks display by
Pyrotecnico in Marisa's honor.
Marisa stayed thoughout the evening's game and festivities. She will receive outpatient physical therapy at the Akron's Children Hospital in Akron, and will continue to need additional surgeries throughout her adult life.