Let’s Get Cookin’ 2025 brought together food lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and community supporters February 5, raising more than $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. Held at the Island Waterpark at the Showboat, this annual culinary competition welcomed 500 guests who savored gourmet creations crafted by 50 talented amateur and professional chefs. The funds will support life-changing programs for local youth at the club.
“This event is a testament to the power of community,” said Tracey Triniwell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “When we come together over a shared love of food and a passion for making a difference, incredible things happen. Every bite, every dish, and every ticket purchased helps us provide opportunities that shape young futures. We’re grateful to all who joined us to support our Club kids and invest in the next generation.”
Guests had the opportunity to sample heirloom recipes and innovative dishes from chefs throughout the south Jersey region. A distinguished panel of judges, led by Chef Pam Green, Executive Director of Hospitality Initiatives at the Boys & Girls Club, evaluated the dishes. The judging panel included Nancy Adler of Nancy Adler Nutrition, journalist Nanette LoBiondo Galloway of Downbeach.com, and Mike from the “Mike and Diane Show” on 95.1 WAYV.
Awards were given in a variety of categories:
Appetizer, Soup, Salad
Amateur Chef: Chefs Luis, Robert, Ozzy, GGTI, Tuscan Tomato & Bread Soup
Professional Chef: Michael Hauke, Mad Mutz Jenga
Entrée
Amateur Chef: Ken Calemmo, Cooper Levenson, Jumpin’ Jambalaya*
Professional Chef: Chef Scott Bencze, Stockton, Maple Bulgogi Brisket Taco
*Ken Calemmo has been a chef since the event’s inception and he won with this dish in 2008.
Dessert
Amateur Chef: Chefs Donna and Jim Ziereis, Gram’s Carrot Cake
Professional Chef: Chefs George Goldhoff and Thaddeus DuBois, Sticky Toffee Pudding
Guest Choice
Amateur Chef: Chef Faten Dib, Stuffed Grape Leaves
Professional Chef: Chef Robert Levenson, Resorts, Crispy Rice Tuna Cracker
Best Decorated Table
Amateur Chef: Chef Christopher Smith
Professional Chef: Chefs Linda Wahlman and Joseph Sheridan
Fire & Police Throwdown
This year, there was a special competition between the Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) and the Atlantic City Fire Department (ACFD). The ACPD won with their submission of Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lamb & Rice, while the ACFD came in a close second with their Shrimp & Crab Cakes.
Let’s Get Cookin’ 2025 was chaired by Larry Sieg, former CEO, Visit Atlantic City, and Lori Herndon, former CEO, AtlantiCare. A committee of professionals volunteered their time to work with ACBGC staff to coordinate the event.Proceeds from Let’s Get Cookin’ will directly contribute to sustaining and expanding the various programs offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.
About Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City:
The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is a nonprofit organization that has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth of Atlantic City for over 50 years. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We offer a wide range of programs that focus on education, leadership, health, arts, and more, helping children and teenagers build essential life skills and develop into well-rounded individuals. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City – visit acbgc.org, call (609) 347-2697, or email Executive Administrator Brianna Register at bregister@acbgc.org.
Photos by Shaun Reilly Photography
