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"A Taste 4 SPORTS"

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Save-the-Date: May 29, 2025

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Mark your calendars as the 2025 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" date has been set for Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 6-9pm at the Balboa Park Club.

Randy Jones Honored at "A Taste 4 SPORTS" June 26, 2024

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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. 

"A Taste 4 SPORTS" Index

2024 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" 

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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 $50,000 raised for S4EA. Thank you to everyone who participated.​

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2024 "A Taste 4 SPORTS"

Schedule of Events

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Wednesday, June 26, 2024

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6-9pm  Music to band 'Beatle Trax' 

             Tasting from Restaurants,

             Caterers & Wineries

6:30pm Master of Ceremonies -

              Jerry Harris

6:45pm Honoring San Diego Padres

              Pitching Legend Randy Jones

              as our 2024 'SPORTS Man of

              the Year'

7:10pm Live Auction

7:50pm Silent Auction Section A

              Tables Closing

8:05pm Raffle Closes

8:30pm Silent Auction Section B

              Tables Closing

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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

  • Listen to band 'Beatle Trax'  

  • Participate in the Silent & Live Auction as well as the Raffle held live in the Balboa Park Club

  • Honor San Diego Padres Pitching Legend Randy Jones as the 2024 'SPORTS Man of the Year' 

  • Meet Celebrities such as 'Mad' Mike from "Pimp My Ride"

  • Enjoy time seeing & talking face-to-face with our S4EA Athletes, Families & Friends

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When: Wednesday, June 26, 2024

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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!

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Taste 2023
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Bill Walton talking about

"A Taste 4 SPORTS" and

SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes

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Bill Walton

"A Taste 4 SPORTS"

2024 Sponsors

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Platinum Level ($10,000+)

  • Brian & Kimberly Cox

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Gold Level ($5,000+)

  • Nick Brumbach

  • UDW

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Silver Level ($1,000+)

  • Ahrens Family

  • Gillaspy Family

  • HME

  • Jerry & Mary Ellen Harris Family

  • Richard Harris Family

  • Jackson/Snowdall Family

  • Karen & Robert Kawamoto

  • Greg Mitchell/Bill Randoll

  • Rathbun Family

  • Tipple Family

  • Yates/Julius Family

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Bronze Level ($500+)

  • Alvarez Family

  • Cunningham Family

  • Clara Downes

  • Glinatsis Family

  • Goldbaum Family

  • Jennifer Styer/Duane MacNeilan

  • Brian Miller

  • Peters Family

  • Super Wash & Dry Laundromat-Chula Vista

  • The Arc of San Diego

  • Triad Components Group

  • UNICO Engineering

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Thank you to the support of our sponsors in helping to make the 2024 "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:

  • Check to S4EA

  • Credit Card/Paypal

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2024 Sponsorship

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The 2024 "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.

Online Sponsorship Registration

 

Thanks for submitting!

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

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Taste Sponsorship

"A Taste 4 SPORTS"

2024 Restaurants

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Thank you very much for these restaurants, caterers, wineries, and breweries who provided the delicious food & drink at the 2024 "A Taste 4 SPORTS". 

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Please support them now by using take-out, deliveries, or eating at these restaurants.

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The 2024 "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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Taste Restaurants
Taste Auction

The 2024 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" Needs Auction & Raffle Items

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You can help make the 2024 "A Taste 4 SPORTS" a great success. We are in need of auction and raffle prize items, such as:

  • Great Getaways

  • Sports Memorabilia

  • Gift Certificates

  • Tickets

  • Art

  • & More

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The auction & raffle will be held live in the Balboa Park Club on June 26.

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Call S4EA at 858-565-7432 if you have any auction or raffle items that you would like to donate.

 2024 Taste Raffle 

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R01 Randy Jones Signed Baseball

R02 Aztec Basketball Tickets

R03 Padres Carlos Quentin Autographed Baseball

R04 Sauce Goddess Basket

R05 USS Midway Museum

R06 SD Sockers Gift Basket

R07 Steve Fisher Signed Basketball

R08 Panda Express Gift Basket

R09 Smooth & Tasty

R10 Bill Walton Photos

R11 San Diego Chargers Jacket

R12 Padres Goodie Bag

R13 Raise the Ruff!

R14 Happy Purr-th day!

R15 Down by the River!

R16 Padres for the Kids

R17 Wahoo's Fish Taco

R18 Blue Tooth Speaker

R19 $50 Gift Card to Luna Grill

       . . . and many more!​

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2024 Taste Auction Packages

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Section A

A01 Work It Up!

A02 Dinner and a Show

A03 Randy Jones Signed Baseball

A04 Frozen

A05 Aztec Basketball Tickets

A06 Lets Go Padres

A07 Fernando Tatis Bobblehead

        /Padres Charles Nagy Ball

A08 Elf Quest Books

A09 SD Gulls Mini Helmet 2023-24 Tm

A10 PRP In-Home Wine Sampling

A11 LA Lakers D'Angelo Russell Photo

A12 Bill Walton Photos

A13 Garden Party

A14 Marcus Allen AFC Pro Bowl Card

A15 Super Bowl XXIV Football Cards

A16 Up, Up, and Away!

A17 Kon'nichiwa!

A18 Bill Walton Poster

A19 Cat's Meow!

A20 Can you tell me how to get. . .

A21 Go dog go!

A22 Save our Ocean!

A23 Surf's Up

A24  Save Our Heritage

A25 Gone Fishing!

A26 Vroom Vroom!

A27 Beauty is Skin Deep

A28 Padres Trevor Hoffman Signed

        Baseball with Swag

A29 Padres Ha-Seong Kim Signed 

        Baseball with Swag

A30 Blue Tooth Speaker

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Section B

B01 Night out in Old Town

B02 Golf & 2018 Masters Golf Winner

        Patrick Reed Signed Golf Bag

B03 Dream Dinners

B04 Miracle Springs Resort

B05 Padres Randy Jones Signed Ball

B06 Tutu much fun!

B07 High Tide!

B08 SD Loyal Soccer Club Gift Bag

B09 Padres Steve Garvey Jersey

B10 Aztecs Bball Tickets

B11 Go Padres!

B12 Double Down!

B13 And Away They Go!

B14 Smile!

B15 The Ship Set Sail!

B16 Tony Gwynn Baseball Cards

B17 San Diego History

B18 All in!

B19 Handy Helper!

B20 Bill Walton Photos

B21 Bill Walton Poster

B22 Mt Catterest

B23 Ocean of Fun!

B24 Take your Shot!

B25 Dinner and a View

B26 Midway and a Meal

B27 Padres Yu Darvish Signed Baseball

        with Swag

B28 San Diego Wave FC

B29 Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. Signed 

        Ball & Bobblehead

B30 Cottage at Rancho La Siesta-Julian

       . . . and many more!

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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

  • Nick Brumbach

  • Mary Cunningham

  • Harriet & Carl David

  • Clara Downes

  • Barbie Hager

  • Walter Jackson

  • Kathy Nelson

  • Bill Randoll

  • Myra Snowdall

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S4EA

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 

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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

  • Won the 2015 XTERRA Costa Rica Triathlon with a broken shoulder

  • Wrote screenplay to ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ which won several Academy Awards this year

  • Won best adapted screenplay at the British Academy of Film & TV Arts.

  • Won Scottish Championship as only girl in rugby

  • Lived in San Diego & received master’s degree in theatre at San Diego State University

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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.

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Source: Wikipedia 'Lesley Paterson'

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Lesley Paterson

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:

  • 183.9mph Paced Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder (2018)

  • US Women’s Human Powered Bicycle Record holder (non-motor paced) at 70.6mph (2019)

  • 15 National Cycling Championships (Mt. Biking, Road & Velodrome)

  • Completed over 55 half marathons & 9 marathons on 4 continents

  • 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

  • Listen to Great Music with 'The Night Owls'

  • Participate in the Silent & Live Auction as well as the Raffle held live in the Balboa Park Club

  • Honor “The Fastest Cyclist on Earth” Denise Mueller as 'SPORTS Person of the Year'

  • Meet Celebrities including NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Walton & 'Mad' Mike from "Pimp My Ride"

  • 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!

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2022

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

  • Listen to Great Music

  • Participate in the Raffle

  • Meet Celebrities including NBA basketball Hall of Fame player Bill Walton

  • Talk with 'Mad' Mike & view his Classic Cars on Display

  • 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

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Taste - Drive-Thru

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

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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.

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'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.

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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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Taste Details
Taste About
Taste Program

"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

Taste - Videos
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