The second annual Get LIT Thanksgiving Cook-off took place on Nov. 16 in Florian Hall and pitted rival cooks from Boston’s fire and police departments whose offerings were judged by elected officials and community leaders. 

The event was put on by Witherspoon Institute (WIN), led by Dorchester’s Alda Witherspoon, with partners like Harvard Street Health Center, Whittier Street Health Center, and Commonwealth Kitchen to help draw attention to reading, writing, and literacy. The organization started in Boston but has spread to other locations around the country.

This year, the Boston Police came away as the winners of the contest with the best turkey and trimmings. A citywide cupcake contest for teen-age cooks was very competitive, but Dorchester’s St. Peter’s Teen Center won the top prize of $500. 

Councillor Julia Mejia announces the winner of the GET LIT Thanksgiving Cook-Off – the Boston Police. Photos courtesy WIN

Councillor Julia Mejia was the emcee along with Attorney Joe Feaster. The judges included Councillors Erin Murphy, Henry Santana, Enrique Pepen; Shirley Shillingford, president of Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston; Charlie Titus, Titus Foundation; Dawn Duncan, Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness Inc. Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Councillor Ed Flynn made guest appearances.

“With heartfelt gratitude for Boston’s unwavering support, we stand on the brink of transformation as we bring to life the 2nd annual GET LIT Thanksgiving Cook-Off and introduce the innovative five-week course, the W.I.N.K. SMART GET LIT Financial Literacy Game,” said Witherspoon. “Together with the community, we empower minds, ignite passions, and illuminate futures. We are thankful for the support that fuels our mission to educate, inspire, and uplift our community.”