San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation Honors Tony Gwynn at its 12th Annual Taste at the Cove | September 5

August 27, 2013

Celebrating its 12th year as La Jolla Cove’s premier event, the annual fundraiser, Taste at the Cove, returns Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 to honor heavy hitters in the sports and medical fields. Presented by Cymer, with title sponsors Wells Fargo and Viejas, this first-class event will bring guests food, fashion, one-of-a-kind auction items and professional athletes. As San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation’s (SDSMF) signature fundraiser, Taste at the Cove will honor one community legend and one medical champion. The five-star charity event will be held at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove.

One of San Diego’s longest running and unique charitable events, Taste at the Cove features food from over 30 of San Diego’s best restaurants, including Whisknladle, Cusp Dining & Drinks, Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish Grill & Bar and Roppongi. Guests will also enjoy hosted bars, a swimwear fashion show by Sauvage, opportunity drawings, silent auction items plus a live auction. The event benefits the SDSMF’s mission to provide a medical safety net for injured youth with limited financial means in order to return them back to health, sports and life.

“Taste at the Cove has been a great success for over a decade, and each year it gets bigger and better,” says Dr. David Chao, founder and president of the SDSMF. “We are fortunate to receive such incredible community support when it comes to bringing top-quality care to injured youth who are in need."

The legendary Tony Gwynn

This year's community legend honoree will be former San Diego Padres right-fielder and Mr. Padre himself, Tony Gwynn. Honorees for the "community legends" are recognized for their strong San Diego ties and contributions to the community through their on-the-field and off-field-efforts. Gwynn, who is considered one of best and most consistent hitters in baseball history, is being honored for achievements such as being a 15-time All-Star and having played with the Padres for an impressive 20 seasons. He and his wife Alicia also established the "Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation" in 1995 to create and support programs that enhance opportunities for youth to become healthy, educated and productive citizens.

The 2013 Medical Honoree for the SDSMF is Lee Rice, CEO and Medical Director of Lifewellness Institute. Rice is considered one of the premier medical experts on wellness, both in the United States and internationally. He has been providing care as a family and sports medicine physician for over 30 years. Having been team physician for numerous professional and amateur teams, as well as a clinical professor at local universities, Rice’s passion for education and Sports Medicine has resulted in a distinguished career.

Individual tickets are available for $300, while tables for 10 are available for $3,000 and VIP Runway Lounge Seating for 10 is available for $5,000. The VIP Runway Lounge includes over-the-top amenities such as exclusive, plush seating, in-seat beverage service and more.

Taste at the Cove fundraising auction and fashion show will be held on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove on 1100 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92031.  For additional information or to purchase your table or make a donation, please visit www.tasteatthecove.com or www.sdsmf.com.