On Sunday, October 19, Newtown Scholarship Association’s inaugural Chili and Cheer was presented at Reverie Brewing Company.

The new fall event was well attended by long-standing supporters of NSA, past scholarship recipients, and younger families whose children could someday become recipients of the association’s college tuition scholarships.

The event offered a relaxing vibe amid warm fall weather. Attendees enjoyed uniquely crafted beer by Reverie Brewing Company, live music by Jailhouse, and chef-inspired chili from four Newtown restaurants. Marketplace Kitchen and Bar, Sandy Hook Cafe, Angelina’s Italian Deli, and Tacobarn, a new restaurant opening in Sandy Hook Center, all brought their chefs’ best versions of the seasonal classic.

“The chili offerings were all a hit,” said NSA President Cindy Carlson. “The four restaurants’ recipes each offered a unique flavor that became the topic of conversations.”

Guests offered enthusiastic compliments for all four chili dishes, naming Marketplace chili the “Best Classic” offering, Angelina’s recipe the “Tastiest,” Tacobarn chili the “Meatiest,” and Sandy Hook Cafe’s offering the “Most Unique” flavor.

The event raised thousands of dollars for NSA’s upcoming award season, which begins next spring for the 2026-27 academic year. High school seniors living in Newtown can check the association’s website (newtownscholarship.org), which will announce the opening of the application portal early next year.

Donations are always welcome and can be made to the scholarship fund anytime on the website.

“Board members of NSA wish to thank all our partners and supporters who helped make this fundraiser a success,” said Carlson. “We’ll be back next year for another round of beer, chili, and cheer.”