Embrace Launches CommYOUnity Chefs Program With Inaugural 800-Guest Culinary Fundraising Event To Benefit Programs That Serve Veterans

SAN DIEGO, CA, April 30, 2011 (Press-News.org) Some of Southern California's most talented and noteworthy chefs will all be in one place to serve San Diego veterans on May 21st. Embrace, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes college students to address San Diego community needs through volunteering and service learning, will be joined by former San Diego Chargers' wide receiver, Kassim Osgood, DJ Skribble and over 800 guests to launch its CommYOUnity Chefs' Program with a high-volume culinary event.

CommYOUnity Chefs in an ongoing effort put forth by Embrace to present a unique opportunity to serve local veterans through culinary fundraising events.

CommYOUnity Chefs donate their time, talent and food to prepare dishes for paying donors/guests, raising money to support Embrace's programs which assist wounded and homeless veterans.

"After serving the homeless week after week, we discovered that 1 in 3 homeless men are veterans," said Sean Sheppard, Embrace CEO and CommYOUnity Chef founding partner. "I really felt that the community could play a huge role in helping generate funds that will allow us to execute numerous programs and efforts to help San Diego's veterans in need."

Funds raised through this event will be allocated as follows: 50% to support Embrace's wounded veteran home restoration program, called H3: Healing Our Heroes' Homes; 40% to Embrace's efforts to serve the homeless veteran and civilian community; and 10% directly to the widows/widowers whose spouses were killed in action.

"The enthusiastic feedback and desire to participate has been remarkable and we are excited to launch the CommYOUnity Chefs' Program with this event," said CommYOUnity Chef co-founder, Jeff Roberto. "In addition to the 8-10 culinary stations, with beer and wine included in the ticket price, Kassim Osgood will join us to celebrate his birthday with DJ Skribble to boost our fundraising efforts."

Kassim Osgood is a former San Diego Chargers' wide receiver and is currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. DJ Skribble is a world-renowned DJ who has been producing and remixing music since the early 90's; working with some of the music industry's biggest names.

The event will commence with the National Anthem, sung by The Garcia 3: a San Diego music group made-up of three young brothers, Juan (11), Hector (9) and Angel (7).

Partners and sponsors assisting Embrace with its efforts include: IAG Entertainment & Sports, Sushi On A Roll, The San Diego Food Bank, Iowa Meat Farms, The Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, The Hotel Del Coronado, Ballast Point Brewery, The Kira Co., Yokoz Sushi Bar Bar & Islander Grill, Islander Grill and A Village Crossroads.

Event Details:

What: CommYOUnity Chefs Launch Party/Fundraiser & Kassim Osgood's Birthday! Beer & Wine included in ticket price; cash bar

When: Saturday May 21, 2011 at 12:00 - 5:00 PM

Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Park (1 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA)

Tickets: Before May 21st: $60 (civilians) - $40 (military & veterans)
After May 20th: $75 (civilians) - $50 (military & veterans)

"This will be an upscale event and a terrific way to show the veterans how deeply the San Diego community appreciates their service," said Sheppard.

For more information about the CommYOUnity Chefs Program or the May 21st event, email info@commyounitychefs.org or call 619.857.7326.

For more information about Embrace and its programs, visit http://www.embrace1.org.

About Embrace

Embrace, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, connects universities and colleges with local government to create a community outreach/service learning model that utilizes college students to remedy community problems such as health and homelessness on a volunteer basis. His ultimate goal is to bring about legislation that makes community service mandatory for all college students that attend state funded institutions of higher education. In 2007, Sean Sheppard began volunteering his time to serve homeless civilians and veterans once a week with the San Diego Chargers and soon discovered that he had a passion for improving the lives of the homeless population.

Visit http://www.embrace1.org for more information.