Best known as San Diego’s original tasting event, Mama’s Day, benefiting Mama’s Kitchen, is scheduled for Friday, May 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. The annual fundraising event features nearly 50 chefs offering distinctive tastes ranging from San Diego’s finest restaurants to our city’s top of the line hotels and catering companies. Event organizers expect nearly 600 attendees to sample some of the most delicious tastes and treats from around San Diego.

The fundraiser raises critical funds for the organization’s mission to deliver three medically-tailored nutritional meals a day, seven days a week and free of charge to local women, men and children vulnerable to hunger due to HIV, cancer or other critical illnesses like congestive heart failure and Type II diabetes. In 2018, Mama’s Day raised $170,000, which provided 58,000 home-delivered meals to Mama’s Kitchen’s clients. This year, the event aims to raise $220,000 to provide 75,342 meals to San Diego’s critically ill neighbors.

All attendees will enjoy an elegant evening of extraordinary cuisine. The event will also include live music and entertainment, and a variety of lawn games to play poolside, including ping pong, corn hole and more. Those looking to walk away with more than delighted taste buds are encouraged to bid on an extensive silent auction or buy a chance to win fabulous prizes in an opportunity drawing.

Presented by Nordstrom, hosted by Sycuan and supported by The Hay Foundation, Mama’s Day tickets are available for just $150 per person and $175 at the door. A special group rate on a general admission 4-pack is also available for $500. Premium VIP tickets are available for $250 each and include early access at 5:30 p.m. to an exclusive VIP dining area and pre-party featuring a presentation by the returning culinary host and longtime Mama’s Kitchen supporter, Emmy® award-winning chef and author, Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.mamaskitchen.org. 

ROTARY CLUB OF LA JOLLA HOSTS “ROTARIANS AT WORK DAY” 

On Saturday, April 27, members of the Rotary Club of La Jolla will repot and replant dozens of geranium-filled hanging planters that decorate La Jolla streets. The project is for “Rotarians at Work Day,” an annual effort by Rotary clubs in District 5340 (San Diego and Imperial counties), to make a difference in their local communities. 

Students of La Jolla High School’s Interact Club, a Rotary-sponsored youth community-service club, will also help with replanting. San Diego firefighters and junior firefighters will assist by lowering and lifting the heavy planters safely.

Para más información visite rotarycluboflajolla.com.

TOCAYA ORGANICA PARTNERING WITH BIRD SCOOTERS FOR EARTH DAY

Fresh-casual modern Mexican concept Tocaya Organica will be partnering up with Bird scooters in honor of Earth Day on April 22 by offering 10 percent off checks for Tocaya guests at the Gaslamp and Westfield UTC La Jolla locations.

Para más información visite tocayaorganica.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ANNUAL RED SHOE DAY 

Red Shoe Day is back and Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego is looking for volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers are needed on Thursday, June 20 to collect cash donations for the 10th Annual Red Shoe Day fundraiser.

Red Shoe Day is the largest volunteer-driven fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, raising an astounding $243,000 in 2018. This year, Red Shoe Day volunteers will be collecting cash donations from generous morning commuters from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. at more than 200 major intersections throughout San Diego County. Individuals, businesses or groups looking to support their community by volunteering can sign up at RedShoeDaySD.com.