Event Highlights

An Evening of Special Memories

20th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony

Mama's Kitchen hosted our 20th annual World AIDS Day Tree of Life ceremony on December 1st at Village Hillcrest to recognize and remember those affected by AIDS, marking the 30th Annual World AIDS Day. The worldwide theme of World AIDS Day 2011 was “Getting to Zero,” emphasizing that our goal is to have Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination, and Zero AIDS-Related Deaths.

The Tree of Life event featured the lighting of the large holiday Christmas tree at Village Hillcrest. Participants purchased and personalized ornaments that were hung on the tree, with proceeds benefiting Mama's Kitchen. Perette Godwin of San Diego Fox 5 emceed the ceremony, which also included festive holiday music by the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, guest speakers, and a candlelight vigil let by Terry Cunningham, Chief of the HIV, STD and Hepatitis Branch of Public Health Services.

Get Ready to Put Your Game Face On

Man Diego is Back! Who Will Beat the Reigning Champions?

Top left: Derek Togerson and Jodi Kodesh. Top Right: You have to Out-Eat Pete to win the Man Diego Title. Bottom: Man Diego-Contestants

We're gearing up for our second annual bar olympics competition at True North Tavern in North Park, on Tuesday March 27th, where teams of two will compete for prizes and the title of Man Diego. If you missed it last year, you definitely need join in the fun this year! Show off your mettle and well-practiced bar skills in games like Quarters, Tailgate Washer Toss, Ring Around the Beerhead, and Cut Throat Pool! The highpoint of the competition is ‘Out-Eat Pete,' a taco eating contest to see if any team can eat two tacos faster than True North's reigning champion.

Jodi Kodesh and Derek Togerson from NBC San Diego will be our emcees for the evening. Awesome prizes will be raffled all evening, and there will be a costume contest, music, drink specials and complimentary food. So get your team signed up at www.ManDiego.org, or call Kim Sontag at 619-233-6262. Team of two people $60 ($30 each) includes team registration, 2 T-Shirts, 2 complimentary drinks and food, and 2 faux ‘staches. Spectator tickets $15 each, includes 1 complimentary drink and food. Check out last year's photos on our Facebook page.

Urban 5K Run/Walk & Health Fair to benefit Mama's Kitchen

Do a good deed for your health! Saturday, March 3rd, 7 a.m.-sign in; 9 a.m.-run/walk starts at Chollas Lake, San Diego (6350 College Grove Way). Registration $30. The proceeds will be donated to Mama's Kitchen and three other worthy causes. To register, visit www.sd5kurbanrun-walk.org or call 619-325-3580.

Mama's Kitchen event photography is graciously donated by Sean Capshaw of Resolusean Photography & Events.