Press Release
Chefs Unite and Create Ultimate Dining Experience to Benefit Mama’s Kitchen
“Mama Loves Mambo,”Mama’s Day 2007 is Fri., May 11, 6:30 p.m. at Hyatt Regency La Jolla; Ticket sales begin Mon., April 9
SAN DIEGO (March 20, 2007) – Five days a week volunteers and staff at Mama’s Kitchen, a San Diego non-profit organization, cook, prepare and deliver nutritious meals to hundreds of men, women and children affected by AIDS/HIV or other critical illnesses. Now, it’s their turn to enjoy the night off and gather 900 of Mama’s closest friends to sample the food prepared by 70 of San Diego County’s finest chefs and restaurants who will come together for Mama’s Day, one night to raise funds and awareness for the organization that makes a measurable difference in the lives of so many local residents every day of the year.
Mama’s Day, the organization’s signature event, is Friday, May 11, 2007 and returns to the Hyatt Regency La Jolla with a Latin theme, “Mama Loves Mambo.” For the uninitiated, Mama’s Day is the ultimate showcase of delicious food, tasty beverages and delectable desserts that have been lovingly prepared and donated to raise funds for services, programs and meals administered by Mama’s Kitchen. “Where else can you sample the best dishes from many of San Diego’s top restaurants in just three hours?” says Elisabeth Bergan, a La Jolla resident who returns with Don Caulfield, to chair the event again this year. “It’s simply wonderful how gracious the restaurant community is, and their support for Mama’s Kitchen is undeniable.”
Presented by Sycuan Resort & Casino, 2007 marks the 16th anniversary of Mama’s Day, and features live entertainment by DJ Tim Altbaum mixing tracks poolside, a silent auction, and an Absolut Martini Bar. San Diego area restaurants such as Extraordinary Desserts, Rice at the W Hotel, and Harry's Bar and American Grill will participate again this year. Tickets are $125 each and available for purchase online at http://www.mamaskitchen.org.
Mama’s Day is an important fundraiser for the tax-exempt non-profit organization that provides free nutritious meal delivery to hundreds of clients throughout San Diego County. “Nearly ten percent of our annual budget comes from this event,” explains Alberto Cortes, the organization’s executive director. “With our recent expansion of our mission to serve clients who have critical illnesses in addition to those who are affected by AIDS/HIV, this is a crucial night for us.” This year, Mama’s Kitchen expects to lose an additional five percent of their federal funding from the Ryan White CARE Act. It’s a trend many organizations like Mama’s Kitchen across the United States will experience. With the elimination of this funding, many individuals suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses will be unable to receive the food and personal care products they need to stay alive and healthy. “Nutrition is critical to managing illness, reducing its complications, extending quality years of life and ultimately reducing healthcare expenses,” explains Cortes. “We provide one year of home delivered meals to a client for less than four nights in the hospital.” Mama’s Kitchen relies on funding and donations from private foundations and individuals, which makes Mama’s Day a critical event for the organization.
Event Detail:
What: Mama’s Day 2007
Date & Time: Friday, May 11, 2007. 6:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency La Jolla
3777 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
Tickets: $125 each. Proceeds benefit Mama’s Kitchen.
Purchase: Online or by phone. http://www.mamaskitchen.org, 619-233-6262
About Mama's Kitchen:
Mama's Kitchen was founded in 1990 when volunteers from the AIDS Assistance Fund, a food bank for people with AIDS, discovered that many of their clients were becoming too ill to take care of themselves. They realized that a reliable home meal delivery service was needed to ensure that these individuals would continue to receive nutritious food. Today, Mama's Kitchen prepares and delivers three meals a day for every day of the week to about 300 men, women, and children affected by AIDS or other critical illnesses in San Diego County. For more information, visit www.mamaskitchen.org
Media Contact:
Denise Scatena, Public Relations Manager, Mama’s Kitchen
Direct: 619-218-4889 | denise@lemonadepr.com
(Above contact info not for publication)
