Mama’s Kitchen celebrated a milestone last week, serving its 9 millionth meal since it was formed in 1990. The local nonprofit is committed to providing healthy meals to San Diegans affected by HIV, cancer, and other critical illnesses. Mama’s Kitchen’s Executive Director, Alberto Cortés, and State Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins delivered the commemorative meal to longtime Mama’s Kitchen client, Austin Hurd of La Mesa.
This year’s edition of The Clearity Foundation’s annual Teal Women Celebration was its most successful yet, bringing in more than $350,000 to support programs and services for women with ovarian cancer and their families. More than 350 guests attended the daytime event at the Kona Kai Resort & Spa, held Sept. 15 to coincide with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. New York Times best-selling author Kelly Corrigan shared stories from her latest book, Tell Me More, and renowned speed painter, Amy Burkman, an ovarian cancer survivor, wowed the crowd with her talents.
“Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose and treat; a cancer that takes far too many of our wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters,” said Clearity founder Laura Shawver. “Clearity is here to give women more options, more information and more hope.”
Mama’s Kitchen Delivers its 9 Millionth Meal
Be the Change 5K celebrity ambassador Marilu Henner and Catarina’s Club founder Sir Bruno Serato
The second annual Youngevity Be the Change 5K brought together local runners and walkers, who pounded pavement to raise at least $30,000 to support Make-a-Wish San Diego, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Caterina’s Club. Actress Marilu Henner served as celebrity ambassador for the race Sept. 21.
“What a beautiful event that gathered together a myriad of people from all walks of life who shared one common mission—to help others,” said Sir Bruno Serato, founder of Caterina’s Club, which provides meals for underprivileged children, finds housing for families in need, and trains at-risk youth for careers in the hospitality and restaurant fields.
The San Diego County Public Defender’s Community Outreach Committee raised $32,660 for Just in Time for Foster Youth at its James Bond-themed Casino Royale event at the Nat last month. The funds will bolster JIT’s efforts to help foster youth aging out of the system move into their first apartments, pursue higher education, and plan for a career.
“We are always grateful for opportunities to expand our community of support for the hundreds of young people we serve each year and the San Diego Public Defenders have become an enthusiastic addition to our extended family,” said Don Wells, Just in Time’s executive director. “The Casino Royale event also showed you can have a really great time while supporting a great cause.”
Mama’s Kitchen Delivers its 9 Millionth Meal
Alberto Cortés, Mama’s Kitchen’s executive director, State Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, and Kevin Atto, Mama’s Kitchen’s board president
