Beloved Cathedral City community fundraiser Sammy’s International Meatball Festival returns for its 14th year on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City (BGCCC). Attendees will have the opportunity to sample delicious meatballs from participants across the community, who will vie for a chance to win in one of four competitive categories (Municipal, Professional, Non-Profit & Amateur), as well as the People’s Choice and Booth Decoration awards. Professional chefs, amateur cooks, and a contingent of nonprofit and government agencies will go head-to-head to win the hearts and stomachs of local judges.
“Sammy brought the community together as a family, through his food. We are keeping Sammy’s legacy alive,” says Scott Robinson, CEO of BGCCC. “We love seeing everyone come together and connect over a shared love for food and support for local youth.”
The festival, which will be held at the Club on 32141 Whispering Palms Trail, Cathedral City, CA 92234, offers live music, raffle prizes, beer and wine, interactive games, a silent auction, and Kids Zone. For a $5.00 suggested donation or 5 tickets for a $20 donation attendees can enter a Chance Drawing to one one of the three prizes: 3rd Prize – (4) tickets to the Mary Pickford Theatre and a 2026 popcorn card; 2nd Prize – a Nintendo Switch 2; or 1st Prize – $1,000 worth of gift certificates to stores including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Stater Brothers, and more.
Regular tickets ($20) include entrance to the festival, five (5) meatball tasting tickets, and one (1) People’s Choice ticket. VIP tickets ($40) include ten (10) meatball tasting tickets, one (1) drink ticket, and two (2) People’s Choice tickets.
The Sammy’s International Meatball Festival is made possible thanks to title sponsor Canyon Print & Signs, The Don Sponsors – Mas Taco; Arturo Carrillo & David Mizener; Contractors State License School; The Nonni Sponsor Bob Smiland, Desert Car Wash; Dirk Tacke; and Jeff McDonald. The Famiglia Sponsors: Chief Michael Contreras; Ralph & Jim Thompson-Cantua; John Campanelli; Dirk Tacke; Margaret Gutierrez; Juben Gutierrez; Ryan Allen & F. Sihapana-Allen; Roger Riel; Ron Bianchi; Bob Schram; Christina Gordon & Sasan Pakravan; Underwriting Sponsors: Dirk Tacke; Gloria & Julio Luna; PB Mechanical; Stephan Burchard and Rey Thayne, Cathedral City Commissioner Antonio Baciu; Miss Patsi Kocan; Grocery Outlet; Maureen Lestelle; Glen Dickard as well as more than a dozen local businesses and organizations graciously supporting Cathedral City youth.
All festival proceeds go directly to supporting programs in Health & Well-Being; Character & Leadership; Academic Success; and Life & Workforce Readiness at BGCCC. As an independent chapter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City is responsible for funding its own Club. Contributions to BGCCC remain right here in the Western Coachella Valley, serving young people within the community.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bgcccity.org.
