
"A Taste 4 SPORTS"

The 2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" held
June 1st at the Balboa Park Club was a great success as we honored 2023 'SPORTS Woman of the Year' Triathlete Lesley Paterson and raised $45,000. Over 200 guests sampled tastings from 13 Restaurants. Thank you to the Taste Sponsors who helped make the event a fantastic fundraiser benefiting SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes. Click here for the 2023 Auction & Raffle Winners.
"A Taste 4 SPORTS" Index
2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
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The 16th Annual "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Gala Fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, June 1st from 6-9pm featuring food & wine from 13 restaurants, personal chefs, caterers & wineries. Over 200 guests mingle with notable local & sports figures, enjoy music & bid on an exquisite array of auction items.
S4EA is honoring as our 2023 'SPORTS Woman of the Year' Lesley Paterson. Lesley won 3 XTERRA Triathlon World Championships as well as co-wrote the screenplay of 'All Quiet on the Western Front' which won multiple Academy Awards this year.
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2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
Schedule of Events
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Thursday, June 1, 2023
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6-9pm Music with band 'Beatle Trax'
Tasting from Restaurants,
Caterers & Wineries
6:30pm Master of Ceremonies -
Perette Godwin
6:45pm Honoring our 2023
'SPORTS Woman of the Year'
Triathlete Lesley Paterson
7:10pm Live Auction
7:50pm Silent Auction Section A
Tables Closing
8:05pm Raffle Closes
8:30pm Silent Auction Section B
Tables Closing
Proceeds benefit S4EA
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The proceeds from the "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Fundraising Event benefit SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes — a non profit sports program serving 1,400 athletes with disabilities ages 5 through adult in over 20 sports during 4 sports seasons.
Highlights Include:
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Sample Tasty Offerings from Local Restaurants and Caterers
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Listen to Music with 'Beatle Trax'
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Participate in the Silent & Live Auction as well as the Raffle held live in the Balboa Park Club
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Honor the 2023 'SPORTS Woman of the Year' Triathlete Lesley Paterson
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Meet Celebrities such as NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Walton & 'Mad' Mike from "Pimp My Ride"
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Enjoy time seeing & talking face-to-face with our S4EA Athletes, Families & Friends
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When: Thursday, June 1, 2023
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Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
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Where: Balboa Park Club
2144 Pan American Rd W
San Diego, CA 92101
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Reservations: $60.00 per person
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Thank you for your support!
Bill Walton talking about
"A Taste 4 SPORTS" and
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes

2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" 'SPORTS Woman of the Year' Triathlete Lesley Paterson
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Lesley Paterson was born & grew up in Scotland. At age 7, she became the only girl on the boys' Stirling County Rugby Club, becoming captain of the team & winning the Scottish Championship at age 10.
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When no longer permitted to play rugby, Lesley took to running & then to Triathlons. Lesley moved to San Diego with her husband Simon Marshall. She received her master's degree in film theater from San Diego State University in 2005.​
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Lesley soon discovered extreme triathlons with XTERRA and finished 2nd at the 2009 XTERRA World Championship. She then went on to win the 2011, 2012 & 2018 XTERRA Triathlon World Championships.
Lesley Paterson Highlights:
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Won the 2011, 2012 & 2018 XTERRA Triathlon World Championships
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Won the 2015 XTERRA Costa Rica Triathlon with a broken shoulder
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Wrote screenplay to ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ which won several Academy Awards this year
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Won best adapted screenplay at the British Academy of Film & TV Arts.
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Won Scottish Championship as only girl in rugby
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Lived in San Diego & received master’s degree in theatre at San Diego State University
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Source: Wikipedia 'Lesley Paterson'
Lesley Paterson Film Career
'All Quiet on Western Front'
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Lesley loved the anti-war novel 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and in 2006 bought the film rights to the book which she had to renew every year. In a guest essay for 'The Hollywood Reporter', Lesley wrote that "I believed in this story. All Quiet was the first war novel I had ever read that was completely stripped of its genre catnip — heroism and adventure. It is a story about hopelessness and helplessness, about betrayal and shock, about losing one's own humanity until the only thing you have left is war".
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In 2016 Lesley entered the Costa Rica XTERRA Triathlon with a broken shoulder. She raced the swim stage using only one arm, finishing the stage 12 minutes behind. She moved up to second place in the bike course, and finished the race as the winner. She needed to then use the $6,500 prize money to meet the option payment for the film rights to All Quiet.
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In 2023, Lesley commented, "Everything in the film industry is about timing and 16 years ago, WW1 was not in the zeitgeist. It was not a popular war to cover at the cinema and certainly not from the German side".
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The rest is history. Lesley wrote the screenplay to "All Quiet on the Western Front' which won several Academy Awards this year and won the best adapted screenplay at the British Academy of Film & TV Arts.

"A Taste 4 SPORTS"
2023 Sponsors
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Gold Level ($5,000+)
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Nick Brumbach
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Idy Land Surveying
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Silver Level ($1,000+)
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Ahrens Family
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HME
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Jerry & Mary Ellen Harris Family
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Richard Harris Family
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Jackson/Snowdall Family
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Greg Mitchell/Bill Randoll
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Rathbun Family
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Yates/Julius Family
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Bronze Level ($500+)
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Abuhari Boutique
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Alvarez Family
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Benavidez Family
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Colors Gourmet Pizza
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Cunningham Family
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Clara Downes
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Teresa Gillaspy
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Glinatsis Family
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Goldbaum Family
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Jennifer Styer/Duane MacNeilan
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Brian Miller
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Kathy Nelson
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Peters Family
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Screaming Pete's BBQ
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Super Wash & Dry Laundromat-Chula Vista
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Triad Components Group
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UDW Homecare Providers Union
Thank you to the support of our sponsors in helping to make the 2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" a financial success.
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Sponsorship opportunities are available from $500 - $10,000.
Contact
Clara Downes
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes
8380 Vickers St., Suite E
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: 858-565-7432
FAX: 858-496-7309
Email: clara@s4ea.org
Sponsorship Opportunities
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$10,000 - Platinum
$5,000 - Gold Medal
$1,000 - Silver Medal
$500 - Bronze Medal
$100 - Blue Ribbon
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Method of Payment:
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Check to S4EA
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Credit Card/Paypal
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2023 Sponsorship
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The 2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Needs your Sponsorship!
We would be proud to be counted among the wonderful agencies that your company so generously sponsors.
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At our "A Taste 4 SPORTS", SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes would like to recognize your contribution. The 'Sponsorship Benefits & Opportunities' sheet outlines the various Sponsorship Levels and Sponsorship Benefits, including being listed in the "A Taste 4 SPORTS" program, print & social media advertising, invitation, flyer, signage, and being listed on the S4EA website and newsletter.
SPONSORSHIP PAYMENT
After clicking the Donate Button and putting in the amount, in next screen list the purpose of your donation: "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Sponsorship

"A Taste 4 SPORTS"
2023 Restaurants
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Creative Ideas
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Guillermo's-Pepe's Street Tacos
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Kamps Propane
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MexiCocina Restaurant
Thank you very much for these restaurants, caterers, wineries, and breweries for providing the delicious food & drink at the 2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS".
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Please support them now by using take-out, deliveries, or eating at these restaurants.
The 2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Needs Restaurants to Donate a Menu Item
Contact
Clara Downes
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes
8380 Vickers St., Suite E
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: 858-565-7432
FAX: 858-496-7309
Email: clara@s4ea.org
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The 2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Needs Auction & Raffle Items
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You can help make the 2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" a great success. We are in need of auction and raffle prize items, such as:
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Great Getaways
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Sports Memorabilia
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Gift Certificates
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Tickets
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Art
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& More
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The auction & raffle will be held live in the Balboa Park Club on June 1.
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Call S4EA at 858-565-7432 if you have any auction or raffle items that you would like to donate.
2023 Taste Raffle
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R01 Fishing Trip
R02 Nine West Multi Shoulder Bag
R03 Jim Beam Cast Iron Grill Pan
R04 Barbie Statue of Liberty
R05 World Cup Honorary Captains
R06 USAopoly Games
R07 Doug Flutie Mint Card
R08 Super Bowl Program & Seat Cushion
R09 I Scream, You Scream
R10 Be Happy!
R11 Aztec Bball Tickets
R12 CA Center for Arts-Escondido
R13 Ice Town Carlsbad Skating
R14 Who let the dogs out!
R15 Bill Walton Autographed Photo
R16 Cats Meow!
. . . and many more!​
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2023 Taste Auction Packages
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Section A
A01 Work It Up!
A02 Take Care!
A03 Aztec Bball Tickets
A04 San Diego Whale Watch
A05 Dream Dinners
A06 In-N-Out Gift Basket
A07 Tea Anyone!
A08 In-Home Wine Sampling
A09 Jump Around
A10 USAopoly Games
A11 Dinner and a Show
A12 2 Badgley Mischka Bags
A13 Glinda the Good Witch
A14 Get Cooking!
A15 BBQ Boss
A16 Garfield Special
A17 LaDainian Tomlinson Rookie Card
A18 Steve Garvey & LA Dodgers Line-up Card
A19 Kurt Warner Uncirculated Card
A20 San Diego History Center
A21 Pet Portrait
A22 Kenya Imports
A23 Candor Restaurant
A24 Mosaic Birdhouses
A25 LA King #44 Mikey Anderson Signed Puck/Card
A26 San Diego Ballet
A27 'Bridge Over the Life' Painting
A28 Bill Walton Autographed Book 'Back from the Dead'
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Section B
B01 Sunny San Diego Staycation
B02 Get Away From It All!
B03 Dream Dinners
B04 Yacht Cruise
B05 Hot Yoga
B06 World Cup Honorary Captains
B07 Mickey Loves Popcorn!
B08 Wine Sampling
B09 Aztec Bball Tickets
B10 SD Sockers Gift Basket
B11 Dinner & A Play-Cygnet Theatre
B12 Keane Studios Portrait
B13 Rock ‘N Jump
B14 2 Ellen Tracy Bags
B15 Terrell Owens Trading Card
B16 Romantic Rose
B17 In-Home Cooking-Mimi’s Kitchen
B18 ‘La Jolla’ Painting-Joan Captain
B19 Golf & Dinner at Sycuan
B20 Randy Jones Autographed Ball
B21 Marshall Faulk Card
B22 Dukes La Jolla Gift Certificate
B23 Bill Walton Signed Basketball
B24 Mardi Gras Collage
B25 Party with Pick Up Stix
B26 'Mysterious Night Street' Painting
B27 Bill Walton Autographed Poster

2022 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Came Back Inside The Balboa Park Club
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After more than 2 years with the Coronavirus Pandemic, S4EA hosted inside at the Balboa Park Club for our members the 15th Annual "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Gala Fundraiser on Thursday, June 2nd from 6-9pm which featured food & wine from 17 restaurants, personal chefs, caterers & wineries. Over 200 guests mingled with notable local & sports figures, enjoyed live music with 'The Night Owls' & bid on an exquisite array of auction items. S4EA honored “The Fastest Cyclist on Earth” Denise Mueller as our 2022 ‘SPORTS Person of the Year’.
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Thank you to the 27 sponsors and 63 auction donors who helped make "A Taste 4 SPORTS" a financial success with over $40,000 raised for S4EA. Thank you to everyone who participated.
'SPORTS Person of the Year' Denise Mueller Highlights:
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183.9mph Paced Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder (2018)
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US Women’s Human Powered Bicycle Record holder (non-motor paced) at 70.6mph (2019)
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15 National Cycling Championships (Mt. Biking, Road & Velodrome)
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Completed over 55 half marathons & 9 marathons on 4 continents
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Denise trains Paralympic cyclist Amy Dixon in tandem bicycling at SD Velodrome in preparation for 2024 Paris Paralympic cycling
Proceeds benefit S4EA
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The proceeds from the "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Fundraising Event benefit SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes — a non profit sports program serving 1,400 athletes with disabilities ages 5 through adult in over 20 sports during 4 sports seasons.
2022 Taste Highlights:
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Sample Tasty Offerings from Local Restaurants and Caterers
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Listen to Great Music with 'The Night Owls'
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Participate in the Silent & Live Auction as well as the Raffle held live in the Balboa Park Club
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Honor “The Fastest Cyclist on Earth” Denise Mueller as 'SPORTS Person of the Year'
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Meet Celebrities including NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Walton & 'Mad' Mike from "Pimp My Ride"
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Enjoy time seeing & talking face-to-face with our S4EA Athletes, Families & Friends
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When: Thursday, June 2, 2022
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Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
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Where: Balboa Park Club
2144 Pan American Rd W
San Diego, CA 92101
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Reservations: $60.00 per person
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Thank you for your support!

SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes (S4EA) is a community based sports program serving 1,400 athletes with developmental disabilities ages 5 through adult in San Diego County.
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The purpose of SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes is to create enhanced opportunities for people with and without disabilities to interact and form lasting bonds of friendship through shared sports and recreational activities in their community.
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SPORTS Pledge
I practice hard. I do my best...
I play with Pride.. You'll be impressed!
We are SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes.
For more Info Contact:
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Clara Downes
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes
8380 Vickers St., Suite E
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: 858-565-7432
Fax: 858-496-7309
E-mail: clara@s4ea.org
Web: www.s4ea.org
"A Taste 4 SPORTS" Organizing Committee
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Nicole Alvarez
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Nick Brumbach
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Mary Cunningham
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Harriet & Carl David
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Clara Downes
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Barbie Hager
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Walter Jackson
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Kathy Nelson
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Bill Randoll
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Myra Snowdall
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Marianne Tyler & Family

2021 Drive-Thru
"A Taste 4 SPORTS"
Fundraising Event
Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes could not hold an indoor event with several hundred people. Instead, S4EA held a Drive-Thru “A Taste 4 SPORTS” event for S4EA members on Thursday, June 17th from 5-8pm at S4EA/North Shores. About 190 people in 80 cars tasted delicious food & drink provided by 8 restaurants and caterers. Guests viewed 25 classic cars coordinated by 'Mad' Mike & Hotrod Holly. NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Walton chatted with the guests. The 'Los Tecolotes' band performed on stage, wandering minstrel Joe Castro played his guitar & Steph Johnson sang with S4EA athlete Isaac on the 200" big screen TV. Guests participated in the raffle & auction.
The Drive-Thru Taste was a great success with nearly $35,000 raised for SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes.​
Classic Cars at 2021 Drive-Thru Taste
Drive-In/Pick-up
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Sample Tasty Offerings from Local Restaurants and Caterers
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Listen to Great Music
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Participate in the Raffle
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Meet Celebrities including NBA basketball Hall of Fame player Bill Walton
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Talk with 'Mad' Mike & view his Classic Cars on Display
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See our S4EA Athletes, Families & Friends during the Drive-Thru
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When: Thursday, June 17, 2021
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Time: 5:00 - 8:00pm
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Where: S4EA/Arc North Shores
9575 Aero Dr., SD 92123
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Reservations: $50.00 per person
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Thank you for your support!
Welcome Bill Walton to Drive-Thru Taste

2020 Alternative Fundraiser to "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
"A Taste 4 SPORTS" is an annual gala fundraiser benefiting SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes, a non profit SPORTS program for people with developmental disabilities.
SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes would normally be hosting our 13th annual “A Taste 4 SPORTS” gala fundraiser on Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 6:00 - 9:00pm at the Balboa Park Club in beautiful Balboa Park for 350-400 guests. However, because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, S4EA cannot hold a fundraising event with several hundred guests. Therefore, S4EA is having an Alternative Fundraiser to “A Taste 4 SPORTS”. Because “A Taste 4 SPORTS” is our largest fundraiser, S4EA needs your support now more than ever for this Alternative Fundraiser.

'Beatle Trax' Band to play at
2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
Reminiscing About 2019 & Prior "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Fundraising Events
The 12th Annual "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Gala Fundraiser took place on May 30, 2019 at the Balboa Park Club. Reservations were $60 per person which benefitted a truly extraordinary SPORTS organization SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes which in 12 years has already served 1,400 athletes with developmental disabilities in over 20 separate sports. "A Taste 4 SPORTS" is a unique event that features food from some of San Diego's best local restaurants, appearances by notable sports figures, music, a fabulous silent auction, and fun. Last year's event featured food and wine from 23 restaurants, personal chefs, caterers & wineries. Let us tell you about the food over the years – savor delicious dishes such as Sushi, San Diego's Best Spaghetti, Gourmet Dessert Pancakes, Empanadas, Authentic Street Tacos, Tomato Bisque, Exquisite Salad Cups, Rigatoni Creamona, authentic crusty French Bread, cheeses, home made pizza, toffee, a decadent chocolate fountain and much more.
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Kris Dielman Videos Promoting 2018 Taste
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Videos About
'SPORTS Persons of the Year'
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2018 Honoree Chargers Kris Dielman talking about honoring Gulls Willie O'Ree at 2019 Taste
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2016 Honoree SD Sockers Kraig Chiles
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2013 Honoree Monique Henderson talking about SDSU Basketball Coach Steve Fisher honored at 2014 Taste
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"A Taste 4 SPORTS"
Videos
S4EA Executive Director Walter Jackson is MC at Alternative Taste
Zoom Door Prize Drawing with S4EA Athletes at Alternative Taste
Steph Johnson and Isaac singing at "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
Bill Walton Message at "A Taste 4 SPORTS" in May 2020
'SPORTS Persons of the Year' Videos
2019 - Willie O'Ree
Hockey Hall of Fame/SD Gulls
2018 - Kris Dielman
San Diego Chargers Superstar
2017 - Candice Wiggins
WNBA Basketball Star
2016 - Kraig Chiles
San Diego Sockers Superstar
2015 - Meb Keflezighi
Marathon Champion
2014 - Steve Fisher
SDSU Head Basketball Coach
2013 - Monique Henderson
Olympic Track Relay Gold