April 15, 2013
Just Call Us Volunteers (JCUV) - a San Diego-based nonprofit that cooks and serves healthy meals to the city’s homeless - will host its 2nd annual fundraiser, Taste of Asia, on Saturday, April 20th from 6-10 pm at the San Diego Public Market. The Taste of Asia, which will have an Asian market theme, will feature more than 20 of the San Diego-area’s most popular chefs who will prepare Asian-inspired signature dishes for guests. The night will also feature a silent auction and entertainment to include a martial arts demonstration, Chinese lion dance team, sumo wrestling and a chance to meet six-time U.S. sumo wrestling champion Dan Kalbfleisch.
According to JCUV President and Founder Julie Darling, the organization’s first fundraiser was a huge success, raising $23,000 for JCUV.
In addition to its several service dates so far in 2013, JCUV also recently served lunch to nearly 1,200 homeless at the 7th annual Project Homeless Connect.
Just Call Us Volunteers (JCUV) - a San Diego-based nonprofit that cooks and serves healthy meals to the city’s homeless - will host its 2nd annual fundraiser, Taste of Asia, on Saturday, April 20th from 6-10 pm at the San Diego Public Market. The Taste of Asia, which will have an Asian market theme, will feature more than 20 of the San Diego-area’s most popular chefs who will prepare Asian-inspired signature dishes for guests. The night will also feature a silent auction and entertainment to include a martial arts demonstration, Chinese lion dance team, sumo wrestling and a chance to meet six-time U.S. sumo wrestling champion Dan Kalbfleisch.
“That allowed us to provide services and more than 8,000 meals to the homeless in downtown San Diego at the Veterans Shelter, the Winter Shelter and the Metro Hotel in 2012,” said Darling. “Additionally, we served at the Monarch School, Rachel’s Women’s Shelter and also had the honor of serving the final meal of Veterans’ Village of San Diego’s annual 'Stand Down' event to more than 1,400 homeless veterans."
Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will allow JCUV to continue its service to San Diego’s homeless, as well as add additional service dates to its 2013 calendar. JCUV is also launching a program called Frugal Feasts, a series of cooking classes targeting low-income families to help them learn how to utilize what's in their pantry, step outside recipes, and adapt them to prepare easy, healthy $5 dinners for their families.
Tickets are on sale for either $75 for a VIP ticket (unlimited food and drink) or $55 for a “Just a Taste” ticket (10 food samples and two drinks). Tickets can be purchased at tasteofasia.bpt.me. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the evening of the event for $85.
Featured chefs and restaurants at the event include: Miguel Valdez from Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar and The Wellington Steak & Martini Lounge; Craig Jimenez from Roseville Cozinha; Michael Arquines from The Lab Dining Sessions; Hanis Cavin from Carnitas Snack Shack; Robin Ross from Cupcakes Squared; Eric Manuel from Firefly Restaurant & Bar; Alex Carballo from Stone Brewing & World Bistro; Jenny Williams from Jenny Wenny Cakes; Antonio Friscia from Gaijin Noodle & Sake House; Flor Franco from Indulge Catering; Kevin Templeton from barleymash; Tommy Gomes & Man with a Pan Ken Gardon; Marcus Twilegar from Tender Greens; Jeff Roberto from Sushi on a Roll; Chad White from Plancha Baja Med; Margureite Grifka; Javier Placencia from Caesar's, Villa Saverios, Casa Plascencia and Erizo; Christopher Logan from Creative Flavors Catering; Pastry Chef Jennifer Costa from A.R. Valentien; Alchemy and Blind Tiger; and the Snake Oil Cocktail Company.
The San Diego Public Market is located at 1735 National Avenue in Barrio Logan. For more information, visit the Taste of Asia website and visit the San Diego Public Market online.
The San Diego Public Market is located at 1735 National Avenue in Barrio Logan. For more information, visit the Taste of Asia website and visit the San Diego Public Market online.
