CAZENOVIA — The Annual Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk and Chili Cook-Off, one of Cazenovia’s most beloved winter events, will return on Sunday, Jan. 25. Now in its 21st year, the event benefits Cazenovia Children’s House (CCH), a non-profit daycare and early education center that has provided childc are to Cazenovia and surrounding communities for over 50 years. Proceeds from this year’s event will support improvements to CCH’s current facility at 2757 Route 20 East. The day will begin with a free half-mile Kids’ Snowflake Sprint at 11:30 a.m. Walkers and runners of all levels will then lace up their shoes for the main event, the 5K Walk/Run, at noon. The 5K starts at Cazenovia High School, heads east on Nickerson Street, and then south on Lincklaen Street. After turning right onto Seminary Street, the route turns north, winding through the village and town, ending back in front of the high school. After crossing the finish line, participants are invited to the Cazenovia Middle School Gym for a party featuring chili samples from area restaurants, live music by Classy Cat Entertainment, and over 20 raffle and silent auction items donated by area businesses. Race participants will receive free entry into the post-race party. Admission for non-racers is $5. The following businesses are supporting this year’s event: presenting sponsor Hacket Cyber LLC; gold sponsors Cazenovia Jewelry and L. E. Riedl Construction; silver sponsors AmeriCu Credit Union, Fleet Feet, Meier’s Creek Brewing Company, Michael Brown Funeral Home, The Nicki Donlin Team at Howard Hanna, Price Chopper, and Salt Point Services; and bronze sponsors Alolo Tennis, BC Chiropractors, Borsellino Home Services, Cazenovia Community Fitness, Fallon, Fallon Bigsby, Key Bank, NextGen HVAC, Precision Pilates, and Skeele Insurance. Founded in 1970, CCH aims to provide the highest quality childcare to Cazenovia and its surrounding communities. “As a non-profit 501©(3) organization, we strive to do so at affordable rates,” the CCH mission statement says. “We provide a balanced approach to learning, cultivating a fun educational environment as they develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.” CCH typically serves 50-60 infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary school-age children, depending on enrollment. For school-aged children enrolled in Cazenovia Central School District, including those in universal pre-kindergarten, CCH offers before- and after-school care with bus pick-up and drop-off. Full-day care is also provided in the summer. “New children are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and no other qualifying factors are considered,” said CCH Board President Giovanna Urist. “CCH accepts county assistance — Madison and Onondaga — and provides services for special needs youth. CCH provides a rich and nurturing environment for children, offering a variety of services and programs. These include in-house meal preparation by a dedicated chef who feeds every child a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack every day, and free formula for infants.” Urist also noted that Cazenovia is recognized as a high-priority area on the Childcare Desert Census Tract, and that New York State Education Department data indicate that 28 percent of students in the school district come from economically disadvantaged families. “Around 20 percent of the children enrolled in CCH receive assistance from the Department of Social Services [(DSS)],” she said. “The modest funds CCH secures through donations and fundraisers help bridge the gap between DSS reimbursement and the true cost of providing childcare services.” Grant-funded renovation According to Urist, the CCH facility has not undergone any significant improvements since its construction in 1991, making renovations an urgent priority. The organization has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York to address several critical facility issues and increase capacity. “We are thrilled and planning on breaking ground later this winter,” said Urist. CCH currently has two infant rooms for children aged six weeks to 12 months, two toddler rooms for children aged 18-24 months, one classroom for three-year-olds, a preschool classroom for children aged four to five years, and a classroom for school-aged children. The upcoming project will involve the following work: adding a new classroom, renovating every classroom and bathroom, improving the roofing and flooring, increasing insulation, replacing every door and window, connecting to the town water line, and resurfacing the parking lot to address significant potholes. “We are excited to be working with Todd Harrington of L. E. Riedl Construction,” said Urist. “Mr. Harrington is a past CCH board member with incredible institutional knowledge of the facility. We are grateful to have the support of our community to complete this work.” As of Jan. 7, CCH was in the process of working with community partners to find a temporary location to occupy during the construction period. “We are hopeful we will be able to announce a partnership soon,” said Urist. The annual Chilly Chili event is CCH’s largest fundraiser. While the NYS grant covers hard construction costs, the organization is seeking the community’s support to cover additional expenses resulting from the project, such as those associated with obtaining bridge funding, the move, improvements to a temporary facility to meet NYS childcare licensing requirements, and increased utilities during construction. Last year, the Chilly Chili had 326 racers; this year, CCH hopes to have at least 400 participants support its cause. It is also seeking volunteers to help with race logistics. To register to run or walk in the 2026 Chilly Chili, to volunteer, or to donate, visit runsignup.com/Race/NY/Cazenovia/ChillyChili5KRunWalk. To sponsor the event, contact CCH Executive Director Blyss Bataille at 315-655-5437. CCH currently has open childcare slots and is accepting applications. To learn more about the organization and enrollment opportunities, visit cazkids.org or call 315-655-5437.   ...read more read less