Mama’s Day 2017 Raises $178,900 for Local Charity

On Friday, May 12, approximately 600 attendees filled the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine for the 26^th annual Mama’s Day raising $178,900 for Mama’s Kitchen, a non-profit organization which prepares and delivers hot, nutrition-specific meals free of charge to men, women and children affected by AIDS or cancer throughout San Diego County. The funds raised will provide 56,794 home-delivered meals for Mama’s Kitchen’s clients.

Presented by Nordstrom and hosted by Sycuan, the outdoor affair featured delectable  dishes from 50 top San Diego restaurants and executive chefs, including newcomers Be Wise Ranch, Catania, Farmer’s Bottega and Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge. Chef Bernard Guillas of The Marine Room returned to this year’s event to present a private culinary experience for an exclusive VIP event and pre-party before the doors opened.

“An amazing night was had by all spotlighting our organization and mission,” said Alberto Cortés, executive director, Mama’s Kitchen. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the volunteers, sponsors, guests, donors and Mama’s Kitchen staff for their support in fulfilling our mission of providing nutritious meals for our San Diego neighbors in need.”

Guests mingled and sampled an amazing array of entrees, beverages and desserts. Along with the delicious treats, guests also participated in a fund-a-meal program, bid on an extensive silent auction, and participated in an opportunity drawing to not only win fabulous prizes, but also help raise critical funds for those most vulnerable to hunger in San Diego County.

Mama’s Kitchen was founded in 1990 when volunteers from the AIDS Assistance Fund 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, life-sustaining food. In 2004, Mama’s Pantry was opened to provide individuals with HIV/AIDS who are able to prepare meals the opportunity to supplement their nutritional needs.

During the past 26 years, Mama’s Kitchen has served over eight million meals and has never turned away a client who qualified for their services. Our commitment to our clients remains unchanged and today the organization has expanded its service to San Diegans affected by either AIDS or cancer. Mama’s Kitchen provides three meals a day, for every day of the year, free of charge, to approximately 350 men, women, and children in San Diego County. Learn more and make a donation at www.mamaskitchen.org.