NORWICH – The YMCA will host its first Chili Cook-Off, from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 27, the proceeds of which will go to Unicef to aid the children of earthquake-ravaged Haiti. An estimated 1.5 million Hiatian children were affected by the 7-magnitude, Jan. 12 earthquake, according to savethchildren.org.

“It’s just so important at this time to provide any and all aid we can to the children of Haiti,” said YMCA Youth and Family Director Bonnie Tiffany. “We feel that this is a unique opportunity to support a great cause.”

The cook-off will feature prizes, trophies, raffles and entertainment by Rockstar DJ, reported Tiffany, in addition to a People’s Choice Award. Local celebrities Judge Howard Sullivan, Evening Sun Editor Jeff Genung and Maria Fernandez of Gus’s Steakhouse will judge the competition in three categories: Family, organization and restaurant.