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Media Release

For immediate release: March 22, 2018
Contact: Bobbie Jo Kelso
(619) 221-8600 x1277 (office) / (619) 507-2077 (cell)
bkelso@sdyouthservices.org

Creations in Chocolate Raises Record $100,000 for Youth

Dat Phan, Original Winner of Last Comic Standing, and more than 240 guests joined San Diego Youth Services this month for its 12th Annual Creations in Chocolate event at Liberty Station.

“We are thankful to have such widespread and generous support from so many local businesses and community members,” said Walter Philips, San Diego Youth Services CEO. “Together, we raised more than $100,000 this year to help us continue improving the lives of young people throughout San Diego County.”

The March 8 event, sponsored by Phil’s BBQ, featured Phan as Special Guest and 10 of the best Master Pastry Chefs and Chocolatiers in San Diego. The Chefs design magnificent chocolate sculptures up to 3 feet in height and bring their best chocolate creations for guests to eat as part of the annual fundraiser.

The event has now raised more than $1 million for homeless, runaway, abused and other at-risk youth and their families. Last year, San Diego Youth Services helped more than 19,000 youth and their families.

Phan, who came to San Diego as a Vietnamese refugee with his mother, has made numerous TV and movie appearances, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” His career launched in 2003 when he landed a spot on the first season of NBC’s series “Last Comic Standing” and was named the funniest person in America. Phan has also been included in The Smithsonian Institution’s exhibition of The Top 10 Most Influential Vietnamese-American Individuals.

Master Pastry Chefs and Chocolatiers included: Chi Chocolat, Tess and Jesse Brown; Eclipse Chocolate, Chef William Gustwiller; Euro Pastry, Chef Roanna Canete; The French Gourmet, Chef Richard Kauffmann; Gourmet M Chocolates, Chocolate Engineer Michael Ross; Harrah’s Resort Southern California, Chef Matthew Lawa; The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-San Diego, Chef Mark Blaauboer; Pala Casino Spa and Resort, Chef Albert Cruz; Puesto, Chef Jessica Scott; and Waters Fine Foods & Catering, Chef Joe Pastry.

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About San Diego Youth Services: 
San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) is a non-profit organization that has helped to improve the lives of more than 797,000 homeless, runaway, abused and at-risk youth and their families. Founded in 1970, SDYS now provides services to more than 17,000 children and their families each year.
www.sdyouthservices.org / www.facebook.com/SanDiegoYouthServices