UCSD’s biological sciences division has cooked up a recipe for a delightful evening fundraiser with a sampling of delectable cuisine, a sprinkling of fine wine, a dash of art and a spoonful of informative culinary conversation. The event will be made tastier still by its mission: to raise funds for much-needed environmental science scholarships for the division’s undergraduate program and “Invent the Future,” UCSD’s signature $50 million student-support campaign. The expertly fused combination of food, drink, art and science will come together in the deliciously informative event themed “Heart di Vite” on Feb. 5, offering guests the best of what California has to offer at the oceanfront, LEED-certified Scripps Seaside Forum. San Diego’s “Cooks Confab,” a group of 17 celebrated chefs from various regional restaurants, will showcase their extraordinary culinary talents through the creation of local, sustainable and one-of-a-kind menus specially made for guests at “Heart di Vite” to enjoy. The participating chefs will give their all in a friendly competition judged by a panel of local celebrities for the honor of “Top Green Chef” and a prize package awarded by Hope & Grace Wines, assuring guests will get the best of the best in local fare. And what finer accompaniment for the exquisitely prepared cuisine than alongside Napa Valley’s finest premium biodynamic and organic wines by the area’s top winemakers, surrounded by a stunning array of artwork by renowned environmentally conscious artists? Visual masterpieces by the featured artists will be available for purchase alongside other items in a live and silent auction, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be included in Valentin Popov’s exclusive “100 Portrait Series,” a collection that pays tribute to Andy Warhol’s unfinished dream of showcasing an entire collection of faces to cover the walls of an exhibition space. In addition to raising funds for the future’s environmental leaders, stewards and innovators, hosts of the event will provide a dose of education to spread awareness about the growing environmental threats to California’s wine country, farmlands and waterways. “Understanding biology is vital for all of us to understand how we can become healthier, how we can become better stewards of our environment and how we can shape a new bio-based economy,” said Steve Kay, dean of UCSD’s biological sciences division. “Heart di Vite is a celebration of science and art, and truly a celebration of our students’ potential to dramatically improve the quality of our lives.” Tickets to Heart di Vite are $100 or $185 for a couple. Individuals can also sponsor a student to attend for $100. Scripps Seaside Forum is located at 8610 Kennel Way. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit heartdivite.ucsd.edu or call (858) 534-1966.
