John Paola is one of Malibu’s most active volunteers. He is the current president of the Kiwanis Club, where he is the driving force behind the club’s highly attended and well-loved annual Chili Cook-Off.
The cook-off takes place Labor Day Weekend. Throughout the festivities, funds are raised that are then distributed to people and organizations in need. It is a four-day affair, complete with carnival rides, food and fun, attracting both Malibu residents and visitors.
This year will be the 33rd annual cook-off. Throughout the years, the cook-off has raised more than four million dollars that has been donated to schools and children’s programs.
The Kiwanis Club is known for its widespread generosity; it continually makes many donations to various organizations, including an annual $5,000 donation to Malibu High School given in June. MHS distributes the donation to deseving students as part of their scholarship program.
In addition to his work on the Chili Cook-Off and with the Kiwanis Club, Paola also helps run the annual Christmas Tree Lot at Pacific Coast Highway and Heathercliff Road. The tree lot benefits the MHS booster program, raising funds to support school activities throughout the year. The lot has been in Malibu for around 15 years.
This year marked record-breaking sales for the lot. “We raised $45,000 during three weeks,” Paola explained.
Another project Paola backs is the Wounded Warrior Foundation. About two years ago, along with former Malibu mayor Lou La Monte, Paola helped present a $10,000 check to the foundation. This year, he hopes to raise $100,000 to help in the purchase of wheelchairs.
When he’s not busy supporting and working with his various volunteer projects, Paola can be found out in a sports field. For 21 years, he has worked at the Malibu Little League and soccer snack shack.