Latin tasting event raises money for mental health services

More than 500 people helped raise money Saturday, October 19th, to support Kennesaw-based Ser Familia, a metro Atlanta nonprofit that provides mental health services, family counseling and domestic violence services to the area’s Hispanic community.

Ser Familia’s annual Saborea event included more than 15 chefs, who prepared signature dishes such as seafood paella, tamarind pig wings, coconut malanga mash, empanadas,paella, smoked pork with pickled red onion and sweet plantains, smoked beef picanha. manchego brulee potatos and jericallas flan with burnt end..

Participating chefs included Julio Delgado, Andre Gomez, Oscar Medivil, Nagib Sued, Francis Sosa, Patricia Rivera, Julio Viera, Mikiel Arnold, Michael Barraza, Jorge Yzaguirre, Belen De La Cruz, and Hector Santiago.

The event was emceed by Los Angeles-based celebrity chef, author and nutritionist Chef Lala.

Ser Familia has impacted the lives of 70,000 individuals and families so far in 2024, purchased a new $10 million headquarters building and opened an office in Puerto Rico, among other accomplishments. Ser Familia’s life-changing programs help families deal with issues such as anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and domestic violence, all worsened by the pandemic.

“Saborea was the culmination of a landmark year for Ser Familia,” said Belisa Urbina, co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit.

During Saborea, Ser Familia presented awards to Inspire Brands Foundation, Atlanta Gas Light and the nonprofit Voices for Georgia’s Children.

Saborea sponsors included Chick-fil-A, Gas South, and the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.