All-Star Catcher Suzuki Returns to Maui to Host Two Events Celebrity Chef, Alan Wong to Partner With the Wailuku Native on Another Star-Studded Cooking Event
October 30, 2015 - Major League Baseball All Star, Kurt Suzuki returns home to host two events on Maui, taking place January 16th and 17th, one of which will be co-hosted with world renowned Chef, Alan Wong. On, Saturday, January 16th, Kurt will be hosting his fifth annual youth baseball clinic at Iron Maehara Stadium from 9:00am-1:30pm. In partnership with the All Pono Organization, the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation has continued to make a positive impact on countless members of Hawaii’s youth by teaching them hard work, dedication and the values of being a team player. Registration forms will be available on November 1st for youth ages 8-12 years old and can be found on the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation (www.kurtsuzukifamilyfoundation.org) and All Pono (www.allpono.org) websites. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to 150 participants.
For the second straight year, Kurt has joined forces with local legend, celebrity chef and restaurateur, Alan Wong to host a unique fundraising event. Kurt and Alan will co-host the Second Annual, Taste of Hawaii on Sunday, January 17th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Wailea from 5:30-8:00pm. A special private VIP cocktail reception will also take place from 5:00-5:30pm
Several celebrity chefs will feature their own unique, fantastic dishes with professional athletes to help serve their delicious creations. Confirmed to participate are Chefs Sheldon Simeon (Top Chef Finalist), Isaac Bancaco (Iron Chef America, Head Chef at Andaz Hotel, Maui), Cameron Lewark (Chef at Spago, Four Seasons, Maui) and Craig Dryhurst (Head Chef at Four Seasons, Maui). At this time, the professional athletes for this year are still to be determined. Last year's athletes included MMA superstar, BJ Penn, MLB All Star, Ian Desmond, NFL player, Kaluka Maiava and surfer Ian Walsh.
Proceeds from A Taste of Hawaii will help raise funds for the Kapi’olani Medical Center, Pediatric Cancer Division. Kapi’olani Medical Center remains steadfast in their promise to educate the pediatricians for the next generation, participate actively in scientific discovery and improvement, partner and collaborate will all entities involved in pediatric services and above all, care for the children in the State of Hawaii.
A Taste of Hawaii charity event will also support the National Kidney Foundation. Kidney disease is very prevalent in these areas along with a lack of basic supplies and teaching materials supporting the knowledge of prevention and maintenance of the disease. The monies raised will make a tremendous impact on the lives of those affected with Kidney disease. Kurt’s father Warren Suzuki, who is a stage 4 kidney cancer survivor and has been in remission for seven years. Renee's sister, Tricia Vignery battles with a chronic kidney disease, FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome, but has been in remission for two years.
About the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation: The Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation is a 501c3 organization that is dedicated to supporting the scientific research of chronic illnesses as well as encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. By providing support to kidney disease research and promoting the benefits/value of active life choices, the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation is focused on improving the lives of others within our community. For more information on the Kurt Suzuki Foundation, please visit www.kurtsuzukifamilyfoundation.org
About Alan Wong: A 1996 James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef, Pacific Northwest and a renowned master of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Chef Wong has made a successful career marrying elements of the different ethnic flavors of Hawaii’s immigrant past. Using the finest Island-grown ingredients, he enjoys taking something old and reinterpreting it with a contemporary twist, always giving his customers a taste of Hawaii.
Chef Wong, author of New Wave Luau and The Blue Tomato, is chef/owner of Alan Wong’s Restaurant on King Street and The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong in Macy’s at Ala Moana Shopping Center. His cuisine is exclusively featured at the Watabe Wedding Company’s newest chapel and reception facility, Honu Kai Lani, in Ko’Olina. Chef Wong’s latest concept is Alan Wong’s Shanghai.
For sponsorship information, please contact Kimberly Crossett of MVP Sports Group at 310-525-3755 or email KimberlyC@MVPSportsGroup.com For media inquiries, please contact Josh Goldberg of MVP Sports Group at 310-525-3755 or email JoshG@MVPSportsGroup.com.