As part of a fundraiser in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, amateur and professional chefs faced off in a culinary competition Feb. 5 at the Showboat Resort.

After judging samples of appetizers, entrées and desserts from dozens of chefs, a panel of judges selected the following winners for the annual Let’s Get Cookin’ contest:

Appetizer, Soup, Salad

• Amateur chef: Luis Guzman, Robert Polillo and Ozzy Valdivieso – Tuscan Tomato & Bread Soup
• Professional chef: Michael Hauke – Mad Mutz Jenga

 Entrée

• Amateur chef: Ken Calemmo – Jumpin’ Jambalaya
• Professional chef: Scott Bencze – Maple Bulgogi Brisket Taco

Dessert

• Amateur chef: Donna Ziereis and Jim Ziereis – Gram’s Carrot Cake
• Professional chef: George Goldhoff and Thaddeus DuBois – Sticky Toffee Pudding

Guest Choice

• Amateur chef: Faten Dib – Stuffed Grape Leaves
• Professional chef: Robert Levenson – Crispy Rice Tuna Cracker

Best Decorated Table

• Amateur Chef: Christopher Smith
• Professional Chef: Linda Wahlman and Joseph Sheridan

Let’s Get Cookin’ 2025 also featured a special challenge between the Atlantic City police department and Atlantic City fire department. According to ACBGC, the police department’s submission of stuffed grape leaves with lamb & rice beat out the fire department’s shrimp & crab cakes.

‘The power of community’

Altogether, this year’s event welcomed 500 guests and raised $100,000 in support of ACBGC’s mission to provide youth enrichment programs, recreation and leadership. Attendees also had an opportunity to sample heirloom recipes and innovative dishes by  chefs from throughout the South Jersey region.

Tracey Triniwell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, described the flagship fundraiser as “a testament to the power of community.”

“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,” Triniwell said.

Former Visit Atlantic City President and CEO Larry Sieg and ACBGC board member, and former AtlantiCare CEO Lori Herndon chaired Let’s Get Cookin’ 2025.