Alberto Cortés, Kate Franklin and chefs from Sycuan talked about Thursday's event and what the money raised will go towards. 32nd Annual Mama’s Day benefiting Mama’s Kitchen Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine General Admission: $175 VIP Admission: $275 https://www.mamaskitchen.org/ ● Often touted as San Diego’s original tasting event, the 32nd annual Mama’s Day will bring together more than 300 attendees for an elegant evening of fun, food, friends, and fundraising. ● More than 20 food purveyors will be offering delicious bites from San Diego’s finest restaurants, catering companies, and hotels all to benefit local nonprofit Mama’s Kitchen. ● Historically, this annual event takes place the Friday before Mother’s Day weekend; however, for the first time ever Mama’s Kitchen will be holding the event a week earlier as Mother’s Day weekend can be challenging for participating restaurants, especially those that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. ● This year, Mama’s Day guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from participating restaurants, chefs and caterers. There will also be live music by the Wildside Band, entertainment by one of San Diego’s top magicians, Ben Silver, as well as a MAC Cosmetics booth. ● In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and a fun photo booth to capture the special night. ● Returning as this year’s culinary host is Emmy® award-winning chef, author, YouTube personality, and restaurateur, Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien. Zien has received 15 Emmy awards for his TV show “Sam the Cooking Guy,” has garnered over 3.5 million YouTube followers, and is the owner of restaurants Not Not Tacos, Graze by Sam the Cooking Guy, and Samburgers, all serving up Sam’s signature recipes in Little Italy. ● Also new this year, both VIP and general admission ticket holders will have the unique opportunity to attend a Welcome Cocktail Reception starting at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy a special presentation by Sam “The Cooking Guy,” hear remarks from one of Mama’s Kitchen’s clients, as well as participate in a raise the paddle to help fundraise for the nonprofit. ● This year, event organizers aim to raise $150,000, which will provide 57,600 meals to San Diego’s critically ill neighbors. ● Proceeds from the event support Mama's Kitchen's mission to deliver three medically tailored nutritional meals a day, seven days a week, free of charge to local women, men, and children vulnerable to hunger due to HIV, cancer, or other critical illnesses, including congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. ● As of April 28, 2023, Mama’s Kitchen has sold about 290 tickets for Mama’s Day. Tickets are selling fast, purchase yours online today! ● Visit mamaskitchen.org for more details on how to attend. ○ Ticket prices: $175 (general admission), $275 (VIP) ○ VIP ticket holders will also receive access to an exclusive open bar during the cocktail reception, the VIP seating area, and other fun surprises! ● Those who can’t attend Mama’s Day can make donations directly to Mama’s Kitchen at mamaskitchen.org to help the nonprofit reach its $150,000 fundraising goal. Mama’s Day 2023 Culinary Partners (as of April 20, 2023) ● Avant ● Babe Kombucha ● Batch & Box ● Cafe Madeleine ● CUSP Dining and Drinks ● DRIFT Eat & Drink ● EscoGelato ● Farmer’s Bottega ● Miixt ● Piatti Restaurant & Bar ● Ponto Lago at Park Hyatt Aviara ● Sally’s Fish House ● Smokey and the Brisket ● Snooze, An A.M. Eatery ● Sycuan Casino Resort - Bull & Bourbon Steakhouse ● The Cottage ● The Crack Shack ● The Seventh House ● TRUST Restaurant Group