Tickets

May 18, 2003: Taste of the Nation took place from Noon to 4:00 PM at the beautiful Loews Coronado Bay Resort (map). The General Admission price was $65, and afforded access to the event, which included
– sumptuous food samples from over 3 dozen of San Diego’s finest restaurants;
– soft drink, beer, wine, and spirits samples from local and national producers;
– live music;
– and the opportunity to bid on exciting items at our famous silent auction.
A limited number of VIP tickets ($85) were available. VIP tickets included admission to the event, plus on-site valet parking (for pre-sold tickets), access to the VIP Lounge with assured seating, and a goodie bag.

Special Room Deal at Loews! Loews Coronado Bay Resort made available a small number of rooms, bundled with Taste of the Nation tickets, at a very special price:
– For $275, you got Sunday night in a Deluxe room, two general admission tickets to Taste of the Nation, and free self-parking.
– For $375, you spent Sunday night in an Executive Suite, received two VIP tickets, and enjoyed valet parking.

Please remember that 100% of your ticket price goes toward poverty and hunger relief. IRS regulations limit you to deducting the amount of your contribution less the fair market value of benefits you derive from the ticket purchase. Our accountants have determined that the fair market value of the General Admission ticket is $30; while the VIP ticket fair market value is $45. Thus, if you pay $50 for a General Admission ticket, the maximum you can deduct is $20; and if you pay $75 for a VIP ticket, the maximum you can deduct is $30.
(The Chef Showdown fair market value exceeded the admission price.)