Family Reach was honored to be selected as the highlighted cancer charity for the 1st Annual Flavors of the Gaslamp fundraising event in San Diego hosted by Pro Player Foundation and current and former NFL stars.
As an exclusive event, Flavors of the Gaslamp raised over $40,000 in its first year to help families fighting cancer. Many diverse and award winning restaurants from San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter came out in force to wine and dine the over 500 guests in attendance.
The event was hosted by three current and former NFL stars that have been touched by cancer: Eric Allen (six-time Pro Bowler and ESPN Analyst), Lorenzo Neal (four-time Pro Bowler and lead blocker for 1000 yard rushers for eleven straight seasons) and San Diego Chargers Defensive Player of the Year, All-Pro Antonio Cromartie. The crowd was also treated to a gridiron cooking demonstration by San Diego Charger Mike Goff who is known for his gourmet cooking skills, and he did not disappoint!
Family Reach Foundation was also proud to announce its new relationship with Rady Children's Hospital San Diego as part of the overall event and commitment to the San Diego community. Several staff of Rady Children's attended the event and expressed their deep gratitude for being included in the Family Reach network of hospitals.
If you missed the event this year, be sure to check back later in the fall when we announce the date for the 2009 2nd Annual Flavors of the Gaslamp!
A very special thank you to sponsors who made the event a financial success:
Edco, jetBlue, Tommy Bahama, San Diego Chargers, San Diego Padres, Davlyn Investments, Harrison Patterson & O'Connor LLP and Althea.
NFL Stars Touched by the Cause
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Lorenzo Neal is the preeminent fullback in the league today and an NFL journeyman. Neal has played with the Chargers, Saints, Bucs, Titans and Bengals. Neal was an All-American wrestler at Fresno State before being drafted by the Saints. Neal is committed to this cause to honor his sister, Denise, who he lost tragically last year to breast cancer. Lorenzo and his wife, Denisha have one son, Lorenzo and twin daughters, Nylya and Mia.
Eric Allen is an ESPN Analyst and 14 year NFL Veteran who played cornerback for the Eagles, Saints and Raiders and retired with 54 interceptions. A Point Loma grad who went on to Arizona State, Allen was drafted in the second round by the Eagles. Allen lost his beloved Grandmother to cancer when he was thirteen and the Allen Family is committed to fighting this devastating disease. Eric and his wife, Lynn have four boys, Austin, Hunter, Jordan and Noah and reside in Point Loma.
Antonio Cromartie became the first ever Charger to win the NFL's interception record with 10. He set another record on November 4 with a 109 yard return after a missed field goal in against the Vikings. Cromartie's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer which led him to leave FSU and enter the draft. Fortunately, after surgery she was declared cancer-free. Antonio has two sons, Alonzo and Jaden and will be married in June to Rhonda Patterson.
Mike Goff helped the Chargers rush for a team record 2578 yards in 2007. Nicknamed Chef by his teammates, Goff learned to cook by watching the Food Network and regularly entertains friends with his gourmet specialties. Goff's favorites include lamb chops, pork wellington and stuffed jumbo shrimp with crabmeat.Great Restaurants
Participating restaurants include Asti Ristorante, Candelas, de'Medici, Zen Café, Masala, and Morton's.
