The much-anticipated 13th Annual Sammy’s International Meatball Festival will take place on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, located at 32-141 Whispering Palms Trail, Cathedral City, CA 92234.
This exciting annual fundraiser will offer in-person participation only, ensuring attendees can fully experience an afternoon filled with live music, delicious food, wine, beer, raffle prizes, interactive games, and a dedicated Kids Zone. All proceeds will support the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City’s mission to empower young people, especially those in need, to reach their full potential as responsible, caring, and productive citizens.
The Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City is an integral part of the Coachella Valley community. As one of three Boys & Girls Club organizations in the region, it operates independently under the Boys & Girls Clubs of America umbrella and relies solely on local fundraising efforts.
MEATBALL THROWDOWN LEAD-UP EVENT
Before the main festival, don’t miss the annual Meatball Throwdown between the Cathedral City Fire Department (CCFD) and Cathedral City Police Department (CCPD)!
- Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
- Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Location: The Roost Lounge, 68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Come enjoy a drink, taste some meatballs, buy your tickets for the 13th Annual Sammy’s International Meatball Festival, vote for your favorite meatball, and make a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City!
For more info on the Throwdown, contact (760) 770-4965 or krobinson@bgcccity.org.
CONTEST & PRIZES
In-Person Categories:
- Professional (Chefs & Restaurants)
- Amateur (Home Cooks)
- Municipal (Community & Government Teams)
- People’s Choice Award (Tickets are $1 each)
- Booth Decorating Contest (Voted on by attendees)
Cash Prizes for Amateur & Professional Categories:
- 1st Place: $200
- 2nd Place: $100
- 3rd Place: $50
All entries will be judged based on Appearance, Aroma, Taste, Umami, and Overall Enjoyment. Winners in all categories will be announced at 3:50 p.m. on the day of the event.
TICKETS
- Regular Admission – $20: Includes event entry, five meatball tastings, access to the bar and live music, and one People’s Choice Ticket.
- VIP Admission – $35: Includes event entry, exclusive access to an air-conditioned lounge with a bar, appetizers, live music, ten meatball tastings, one drink of choice ticket, and two People’s Choice Tickets.
- Additional tasting tickets: 3 for $5
RAFFLE TICKETS
- $5 each or 5 for $20
- 1st Prize: Two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells
- 2nd Prize: Apple iPad 10th Generation (10.9-inch display)
- 3rd Prize: Four tickets to the Mary Pickford Theater & 2025 Popcorn Card
ENTERTAINMENT
Live entertainment will be provided by:
- Leanna & Miguel on Congas
- Sergio
SPONSORS
Annual Presenting Sponsors:
- Contractor Insurance Agency
- H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
- Pacific Youth Foundation
- SAGA Foundation
- Cathedral City
Club Sponsors:
- Palm Springs Subaru
- Contractors State License Schools
- Amazon
Supporting Sponsors:
- Canyon Print & Signs
- Team Kara Robinson Real Estate
- Shore Point Distributing Company, Inc.
- Frazier Pest Control, Inc.
Community Partners:
- The Roost Lounge
- Dinner with Patsi
- Palm Springs Corvette Club
For tickets or more information, please visit www.bgcccity.org/13th-annual-meatball-festival, call (760) 770-4965, or email info@bgcccity.org.
Come hungry and ready to experience some of the best meatballs in the valley, all while supporting a great cause!
