The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is thrilled to announce that the 7th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival, held Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Destin Commons, raised $60,000 to support the young people we serve across the region. This event showcased the power of community uniting for our club kids.
Our mission is to inspire and empower boys and girls by nurturing their sense of competence, purpose, belonging and influence. Through programs focused on academic success, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles, we impact more than 5,000 youth annually. The funds raised will fuel these efforts, providing opportunities that shape brighter futures.
“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. “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!”
This family-favorite event featured gourmet twists on mac & cheese, crafted by some of the area’s top chefs and restaurants vying for bragging rights.
The winners were:
People's Choice:
- 1st Place: Recess After Dark
- 2nd Place: LESGO Chef
- 3rd Place: Boathouse
- 1st Place: Recess After Dark
- 2nd Place: Jackacuda's
- 3rd Place: Longhorn Steakhouse
- 1st Place: Fudpucker's
- 2nd Place: LESGO Chef
- 3rd Place: Recess After Dark
A big thank you to all of our competitors: Fresh Cravez, Holi, Cantina Laredo, Longhorn Steakhouse, I Heart Mac & Cheese, Recess After Dark Sports, Fudpuckers, Jackacuda's, Emerald Coast Vibe, Boathouse, LESGO Personal Chef.
The 2025 Mac and Cheese Festival would not be possible without the support of many generous sponsors such as Starpoint Screening, Cox Communications, Publix Charities, Emerald Coast Insurance Agency/Dairyland, Shalimar Fence, Higginbotham Insurance, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Jackacuda's, Wyndham Destinations, Anchor Screen Printing, Old Bay Steamer, SimpleHR, The Long Drink, Diana Health, The First Bank
