2026 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
A Great Success
S4EA hosted for our S4EA members the 19th Annual "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, June 27th from 6-9pm at the Balboa Park Club featuring food & drink from 14 restaurants, personal chefs, caterers & wineries. Everyone enjoyed the music to the band 'Kenny & the Jets' & bid on an exquisite array of auction items. S4EA honored former SD Chargers Placekicker Rolf Benirschke as our 2026 'SPORTS Man of the Year'. We are still counting the money, but we are expecting to raise between $60,000-$70,000 to benefit SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes. Thank you for all of the support from sponsors, restaurants, guests, athletes, volunteers, and other supporters.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 27, 2026
6-9pm Music-band 'Kenny & the Jets'
Tasting from Restaurants,
Caterers & Wineries
6:30pm Master of Ceremonies -
Jerry & Mary Ellen Harris
6:45pm Honor Rolf Benirschke as our
'SPORTS Man of the Year'
7:10pm Call for Cash
7:50pm Silent Auction & Raffle
Section A Tables Closing
8:00pm Raffle Section B Closes
8:30pm Silent Auction Sect. B Closes
Raffle Winners Posted
"A Taste 4 SPORTS" Details
When: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Where: Balboa Park Club
2150 Pan American Rd W
San Diego, CA 92101
Reservations: $60.00 per person
Thank you for your support!
Proceeds benefit S4EA
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.
2026 'SPORTS Man of the Year' S.D. Chargers Placekicker
Rolf Benirschke Highlights
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Father of four children, three with special needs
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San Diego Chargers placekicker for ten seasons during the Air Coryell years from 1977-86
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Was named Comeback Player of the Year in 1980 after requiring life-saving ileostomy surgery in 1979 due to Crohn’s disease
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Named the NFL Man of the Year & selected to Pro Bowl in 1983
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Elected to San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame in 1997
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San Diego Chargers all-time points leader with 766 points
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Retired as the third most-accurate kicker in league history
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Broadcaster for San Diego Sockers from 1980-82
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Created Embracing Ostomy Life – to guide others through recovery, providing resources for managing life with an ostomy
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Elected Chairman Board of Trustees for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in 2026
S4EA Athletes Matthew & Rachel Ask Rolf Benirschke to be 2026 'SPORTS Man of the Year'
at "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
"A Taste 4 SPORTS"
2026 Sponsors
Platinum Level ($10,000+)
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Brian & Kimberly Cox
Gold Level ($5,000+)
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Nick Brumbach
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SD City Fire Fighters Local 145
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Tipple Family
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Webb Family
Silver Level ($1,000+)
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Mary & Woody Emlen
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Flam Family
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HME
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Robert Hall & Susan Woodward
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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
Bronze Level ($500+)
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Alvarez Family
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Cunningham Family
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Clara Downes
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Entouch Solutions
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Gillaspy Family
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Glinatsis Family
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Goldbaum Family
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Brian Miller
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Peters Family
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RKK Investments
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Jennifer Styer
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The Arc of San Diego
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Triad Components Group
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
$10,000 - Platinum
$5,000 - Gold Medal
$1,000 - Silver Medal
$500 - Bronze Medal
$100 - Blue Ribbon
Method of Payment:
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Check to S4EA
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Credit Card/Paypal
2026 Sponsorship
The 2026 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Needs your Sponsorship!
We would be proud to be counted among the wonderful agencies that your company so generously sponsors.
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"
2026 Restaurants
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Creative Ideas
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Guillermo's-Pepe's Street Tacos
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MC Sweet Treats
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Mimi's Kitchen
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Richard's Bees
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Screaming Pete’s BBQ
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Super Nova Cafe
Thank you very much for these restaurants, caterers, wineries, and breweries who are providing the delicious food & drink at the 2026 "A Taste 4 SPORTS".
Please support them now by using take-out, deliveries, or eating at these restaurants.
The 2026 "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
The 2026 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
Auction & Raffle
Thank you to the 65 auction and raffle donors who helped S4EA raise over $65,000 at the 2026 "A Taste 4 SPORTS".
Need Auction & Raffle Items
You can help make the 2026 "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
The auction & raffle will be held live in the Balboa Park Club on June 27.
Call S4EA at 858-565-7432 if you have any auction or raffle items that you would like to donate.
2026 Raffle Prizes
# Item
Section: Raffle
01 Let it Ride!
02 Goumet Coffee Basket
03 World Cup Soccer Basket
04 USAopoly Games
05 Cat Royalty
06 Summertime Fun!
07 PRP Wine Int.
08 Balboa Park
09 Rolf Benirschke
10 Handmade Jewelry by Myra
11 Let's Go Camping
12 Garden Fun
13 Northside Tavern
14 CA Center for the Arts
15 Diner & Movie
2026 Auction Package Winners
# Item - Winner
Section: A
01 Let's Go Padres! - Monica Abeyta
02 Double Down - Steve Schrader
03 Old Globe & Dinner - Erika Pollner
04 And Away They Go! - Angela Yates
05 Get your Finances in Order
06 Pet Portrait - Barbie Hager
07 Disney Swag - Angela Yates
08 Down Home Holiday! - Marleen Yu-Li
09 Japanese Friendship Garden!-Krachon
10 Smile Pretty! - Beda Mejia-Powell
11 Room with a View - Beda Mejia-Powell
12 USAopoly Games - Christy Debal
13 Dog Bed /Assorted Toys-Monica Abeyta
14 Cat Painting - Diana Andalon
15 Duke's La Jolla - Debbie Beaver
16 SD Sockers Tickets & Swag-Erika Polner
17 Rolf Memorabilia - John Wieland
18 Day Trippers - Mia Ryans
19 PRP Wine Int. - Mim Tseng
20 Jewelry by Myra - Annalee Schrader
21 Gardening Basket - Clara Downes
22 Aztec Basketball - Ed Clemente
23 Galpin Tour - Rob West
24 SeaWorld - Mary Ellen Harris
25 Figaro, Figaro = Erika Pollner
Section: B
01 Rancho La Siesta - Mia Ryans
02 Go Padres! - Nicole Alvarez
03 Sharks, Jellies. . . Oh My!-Jennifer Poast
04 Aztecs Bball Tickets - Si Lobbin
05 "A Wet Walk In" Painting-David Harris
06 Pearly Whites! = Ray Hall
07 Work it up! - Dana Plowman
08 College Bound
09 Lions, Tigers. . . Oh My!-Jennifer Poast
10 Here Kitty! - Peter Kronin
11 Enjoy your Evening! - Laurel Morell
12 Miracle Spr.Resort-MichelleWinterNolte
13 The Marine Room - Marleen Yu-Li
14 SD Wave FC Tickets & Swag-AJ Paul
15 Ships Ahoy - Angie Cantrell
16 A Night Out - David Harris
17 Enjoy the Park! - Christina Yates
18 Handmade Jewelry Myra-John Wieland
19 Tool Time! - Monica Abeyta
20 San Diego Clippers - Jim Plowman
21 Signed Charger Poster - John Wieland
22 Balboa Park Painting - J Villa
23 Physical Therapy - Greg Mitchell
24 Autos in the Park - Frank Taylor
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.
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.
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:
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
2025 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
S4EA celebrated our 18th Annual "A Taste 4 SPORTS" on May 29th from 6-9pm at the Balboa Park Club. S4EA honored the Ron Newman Family as our 2025 'SPORTS Family of the Year'. 200-300 guests tasted food from 12 restaurants, listened to the music by the ‘Beatle Trax’ band & bid on fabulous silent auction items. Thank you to the sponsors and auction donors who helped make “A Taste 4 SPORTS” a financial success by raising over $70,000 for S4EA.
Ron Newman Family is 2025 'SPORTS Family of the Year'
Ron Newman
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Won 10 championships in 11 seasons as coach with San Diego Sockers in 1980’s & 90’s
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Introduced the sixth attacker and super power play to indoor soccer
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The MASL indoor soccer champion wins the Ron Newman Cup since 2012
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Inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions in 2003
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Inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1992
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Coached outdoor soccer (only coach to win both NASL & ASL championships in 1970’s)
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Winningest all-time coach in American professional soccer with overall record 753-296-27
Guy Newman (Ron’s Son)
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Player under head coach Ron Newman with Sockers 3 seasons
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Assistant coach under head coach Ron Newman with SD Sockers
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Won championship as head coach in 1994 CISL indoor soccer champ.
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Currently coaching the East County Surf Soccer Club
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Guy’s daughter Izzy Newman introduced as Fox5 SD’s World Cup “Soccer Expert” in 2019
Bill Walton with S4EA Athlete Sam O'Brien at 1st Annual "A Taste 4 SPORTS" at Park Manor.
You were dear to our hearts.
We miss both of you.
2024 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"
S4EA celebrated our 17th Annual "A Taste 4 SPORTS" on June 26th from 6-9pm at the Balboa Park Club. S4EA honored San Diego Padres Pitching Legend Randy Jones as our 2024 'SPORTS Man of the Year'. Over 200 guests tasted food from 12 restaurants, listened to the music by the ‘Beatle Trax’ band & bid on fabulous silent auction items. Thank you to the 26 sponsors and over 75 auction donors who helped make “A Taste 4 SPORTS” a financial success with over $60,000 raised for S4EA. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Randy Jones Honored at "A Taste 4 SPORTS" June 26, 2024
S4EA showed a video of highlights of Randy Jones as a San Diego Padres Hall of Fame player and interactions of Randy Jones with our S4EA athletes. Ernie Martinez made the introductions of Randy Jones. Randy then spoke and S4EA presented Randy with an award as the S4EA 2024 'SPORTS Man of the Year'. Athletes and guests enjoyed talking with Randy, as well as getting pictures and autographs with Randy.
2023 "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.
2023 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" 'SPORTS Woman of the Year' Triathlete Lesley Paterson
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.
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.
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
Lesley Paterson Film Career
'All Quiet on Western Front'
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".
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.
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".
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.
Source: Wikipedia 'Lesley Paterson'
2022 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Came Back Inside The Balboa Park Club
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’.
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
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
When: Thursday, June 2, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Where: Balboa Park Club
2150 Pan American Rd W
San Diego, CA 92101
Reservations: $60.00 per person
Thank you for your support!
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
When: Thursday, June 17, 2021
Time: 5:00 - 8:00pm
Where: S4EA/Arc North Shores
9575 Aero Dr., SD 92123
Reservations: $50.00 per person
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.
Donate to S4EA
By donating, S4EA can provide the same high level programming once the Pandemic is over. For more information, please call S4EA at 858-565-7432.
'Beatle Trax' Band plays at
"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.
Kris Dielman Videos Promoting 2018 Taste
Videos About
'SPORTS Persons of the Year'
2018 Honoree Chargers Kris Dielman talking about honoring Gulls Willie O'Ree at 2019 Taste
2016 Honoree SD Sockers Kraig Chiles
2013 Honoree Monique Henderson talking about SDSU Basketball Coach Steve Fisher honored at 2014 Taste
"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