If there’s one thing Giacomo Pizzigoni knows, it’s how to turn a meal into a movement. The Milan-born restaurateur behind Ambrogio15, the recently shuttered Ambrogio by Acquerello, and Ambrogio15 Enoteca has long been using food as a vehicle for something bigger, whether that’s showcasing natural wines from small Italian producers, Italianizing San Diego’s dining scene, or giving back to the city that’s embraced him since his arrival 15 years ago.
On April 30, he’s putting that ethos to work with a special dinner benefiting Las Patronas, La Jolla’s all-women philanthropic powerhouse known for raising millions in grant funding for San Diego nonprofits.
The four-course dinner will bring a taste of Milan to Bird Rock, crafted by Michelin-recognized chefs Enea Sintoni and Filippo Giglio and paired with a lineup of natural wines from Northern Italy. Fifteen percent of proceeds go directly to Las Patronas, reinforcing its mission of supporting everything from education programs to community health initiatives.
For Giacomo, getting involved was an easy yes. Giving back has been a through-line in his career and personal life, from feeding frontline workers during the pandemic to championing sustainable farming practices back home in Europe. He’s worked with organizations like Feeding San Diego, Mainly Mozart, and Labs and More—where he found his beloved labrador-terrier mix, Pipa. Las Patronas was a natural fit.
“Their impact spans social services to cultural nonprofits, and what resonates most with me is their deep commitment to San Diego—the city that welcomed me and provided me with so many opportunities,” he says.
Laurie Lopez, who is on Las Patronas’ Board of Directors, echoes that sentiment. “We are very excited about this new partnership with the Ambrogio15 group to expand our engagement with local businesses, raise awareness about Las Patronas and our purpose, and, of course, raise some money to benefit our worthy nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego,” she says.
The April 30 dinner is just one of the many ways Las Patronas is gearing up for its signature event: the Jewel Ball. This year’s theme, “Back En Pointe,” will be unveiled at the Jewel Ball Preview on April 18 at the La Jolla Playhouse, another past beneficiary of the group’s fundraising efforts.
“The preview is such a special event,” Lopez adds. “It gives a glimpse into the creativity and dedication that goes into making the Jewel Ball a success, while also allowing us to highlight the amazing beneficiaries who will be funded through its proceeds.”
Since its founding in 1946, Las Patronas has raised over $28 million for more than a thousand local organizations, funding everything from medical equipment to arts programs. Their mission hasn’t changed, and neither has the need—especially with the threat of federal budget cuts that could affect local 501(c)(3) organizations.
“We remain committed to raising funds for critically needed capital items for San Diego nonprofits,” Lopez says. “We’d love for your readers to join us at the dinner on April 30 and consider making a direct donation at LasPatronas.org.” For those looking to get involved, the dinner is an easy intro to the organization.
