2026 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off

Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the results of the 12th Annual Mac & Cheese Bake-Off featuring ‘Anything Pasta’ fundraiser, presented by S&T Construction, held on Thursday, July 23rd, at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort Pavilion. With more than 225 people in attendance, and thanks to the generosity and support of our incredible community, we raised almost $30,000.00 to benefit affordable housing in Chaffee County. A special congratulations goes out to Kathy & John DiGirolamo, winner of the Individual Category, and to Currents Steak & Seafood, led by Jessica Halasz, who took home the top prize in the Restaurant Category. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the bakers, donors, volunteers, and attendees who made this year’s event such a memorable and successful fundraiser. Thank you, Chaffee County!

Four restaurant competitors and thirteen individuals vied for the people’s choice. For the attendees, there was an assortment of macaroni and cheese, as well as a variety of pasta recipes to sample. After counting the votes, Currents Steak & Seafood won the restaurant category with their delicious “Fried Elk Bolognese Ravioli”; Mountain Goat Lodge B&B and The Bonesaw Food Truck tied for second. Kathy & John DiGirolamo returned from their first-place finish last year to keep their title in the individual category with their special “Butter Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese”; second place went to Dan Rash, and third place to Heather Anderson-Berson. This year’s first, second, and third-place winners in each category were awarded Visa gift cards and certificates of recognition. Congratulations to all of the 2026 winners!

Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity would especially like to recognize and thank our generous sponsors for their vital support of this event:

We’d also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort for their wonderful hospitality, and to Kenny the DJ for providing music and sound throughout the evening. A big thank you to Heart of the Rockies Radio for promoting the event with their advertising efforts, and to BV Sign Works for producing the banners that welcomed guests. We are also grateful to Elevation Beer Company and CCHfH Board of Directors for their beer and wine donations, Elkhorn Pizzeria for providing the savory salad, City Market for donating the delicious sheet cakes, and Merrifield’s Garden Hut and Greenhouse for the beautiful table centerpieces. Thank you also to Ashley Doty for donating her photography services. 

This year’s silent auction featured a wide variety of unique items and curated packages donated by local businesses, artists, and community members. Some of the standout auction items included a Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Stay-and-Soak package, a wine and hotel package at the Surf Hotel, rafting trips and adventures, gift baskets, tools, jewelry, and many more exciting offerings that drew strong participation throughout the auction.

This event would not have been possible without the hard work, generosity, and dedication of our local community. We are already looking forward to next year, so mark your calendar for the 13th Annual Mac & Cheese Bake-Off featuring ‘Anything Pasta’ fundraiser on Thursday, July 22, 2027! Do you think your mac & cheese or pasta recipe is a winner? Start planning your recipes for today! For more information about Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity, follow us on social media and check our website at www.chaffeehabitat.org.