Food lovers, culinary enthusiasts and community supporters came together last week to raise more than $100,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City. 

The Let's Get Cookin' annual culinary competition welcomed 500 guests to Island Waterpark. They were treated to 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,” Boys and Girls Club CEO Tracey Triniwell said. “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.”

    Let’s Get Cookin’ brought out hundreds to the Island Waterpark at Showboat for a culinary competition to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. 

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 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

    The Atlantic City police and fire departments competed for top culinary honors at Let’s Get Cookin’. The ACPD won with their dish, stuffed grape leaves with lamb and rice.  

Fire and police throwdown

This year, there was a special competition between Atlantic City's Police and Fire departments. 

The Police Department won with its submission of stuffed grape Leaves with lamb and rice, while the ACFD came in a close second with their shrimp and crab cakes.

Let’s Get Cookin’ 2025 was chaired by Larry Sieg, former chief executive officer of Visit Atlantic City, and Lori Herndon, former CEO of 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 and Girls Club of Atlantic City.