On July 10, six Clubs came together for the eagerly anticipated “Salsa, Salsa!” competition, where they showcased their culinary prowess and dancing skills. Freddie Falcon even joined in on the fun!
The event, which had been on hiatus since 2019 due to COVID-19, returned with full force thanks to a partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA), Willy’s Mexicana Grill, and Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund. Participating Clubs included At-Promise South, A. Worley Brown, Douglas County, East DeKalb, Warren, and Whitehead.
“Salsa, Salsa! would not have been possible without the creativity and preparation of our youth and the Club staff who led them in this culinary competition,” said Marlon Montgomery, VP of Youth Development. “I want to give a huge round of applause to all participants. Your efforts and creativity made the event a lot of fun and showcased our BGCMA talent and spirit.”
“Salsa, Salsa! celebrates BGCMA’s cooking and gardening programs, teaching kids that eating right can be exciting. Leading up to the event, teams diligently tended to their Club gardens, cultivating fresh vegetables for their salsa creations. Each salsa not only dazzled with flavor but also told a story, highlighting its country of origin and unique ingredients.
Guests indulged in the original salsa recipes, each bursting with creativity and fresh ingredients, complemented by chips and burritos provided by Willy’s Mexicana Grill. Following the flavorful feast, guests embraced salsa dance lessons led by PasoFino Dance Studio.
The highlight of the day was the salsa showdown itself, where judges—Former Atlanta Falcon Cliff Matthews, Your 3rd Spot Head Chef Stuart Rogers, and Willy’s Mexicana Grill CEO/President Joe Ippolito—faced the challenging task of selecting the winning salsa.
East DeKalb Club clinched top honors with their peach-infused “Hotlanta Salsa,” a nod to local tastes, while Douglas County Club secured second place with their zesty “Spice of Your Life” salsa, noted for its peppery kick.
Beyond the culinary excitement, the event also marked a significant fundraising milestone. Willy’s Mexicana Grill, through its annual Give $5/Get $5 promotion, raised $30,075.53 in just 28 days for BGCMA’s Healthy Lifestyles initiatives. The efforts culminated with a ceremonial check presentation by Ippolito himself, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting youth wellness.
Looking ahead, all 26 Clubs across the BGCMA 10-county footprint are already gearing up for Spring 2025 with plans to enhance their gardens. With the success of this year’s event, Salsa, Salsa! promises to return next year bigger and better than ever.
