DESTIN, Fla. — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast has announced that the 7th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival, held on March 16 at Destin Commons, raised $60,000 to support youth programs across the region.
“Our 7th Mac & Cheese Festival was a phenomenal success, far surpassing our hopes,” said Shervin Rassa, chief executive officer of The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.
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“We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, our talented culinary participants, Destin Commons, and our generous sponsors. Because of you, we’re able to continue making a lasting impact on our kids. We’re already excited to plan an even bigger 8th year!” said Ms Rassa,
The festival featured gourmet variations of mac and cheese from local chefs and restaurants, with winners selected in three categories.
Winners
People’s Choice:
1st Place: Recess After Dark
2nd Place: LESGO Chef
3rd Place: Boathouse
Kids’ Choice:
1st Place: Recess After Dark
2nd Place: Jackacuda’s
3rd Place: Longhorn Steakhouse
Judges’ Choice:
1st Place: Fudpucker’s
2nd Place: LESGO Chef
3rd Place: Recess After Dark
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The event also included culinary competitors such as Fresh Cravez, Holi, Cantina Laredo, I Heart Mac & Cheese, Emerald Coast Vibe, and more.
Organizers credited sponsors, including Starpoint Screening, Cox Communications, Publix Charities, Emerald Coast Insurance Agency/Dairyland, Shalimar Fence, Higginbotham Insurance, Eglin Federal Credit Union, and several others, for making the event possible.
The funds raised will support programs focused on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles for more than 5,000 youth annually.
