Sumptuous cuisine, high fashion, one-of-a-kind auction items, professional athletes and celebrities will convene for a noble cause during the 9th annual Taste at the Cove on Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove. More than 30 local restaurants — including The Steak House at Azul, Roy’s, Tikul Coastal Mexican and Cups — will tempt taste buds as guests feast their eyes on the latest collections from La Jolla boutiques and stylists in two New York-style fashion shows. Silent and live auctions offer opportunities to swoop up unique experiences like meet-and-greets with Carrie Underwood and the Jonas Brothers, as well as tickets for concerts, the Super Bowl, World Series and Lakers skybox seats, and a catered home dinner with Roy Yamaguchi. Sponsored by the San Diego Sports Medicine Foundation, the five-star charity event raises funds to treat and rehabilitate injured youth who lack the means to obtain alternate care, helping return them to a life of sports and physical activity. “We believe all kids deserve the opportunity to participate in life, and we are dedicated to providing care to children who are in need of assistance,” said Dr. Dave Chao, SDSMF founder and president. “All funds raised by Taste at the Cove bring top-quality care to injured youth who are in need.” Two public figures, one from the medical field and one professional athlete, will be recognized for their contributions to the community. This year’s athlete honoree is former San Diego Charger and New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, who established the Hard Hitters Foundation in 1999 to improve the quality of life and training for disadvantaged children. James M. Hammond will be honored as the 2010 medical champion. Bill Walton, local celebrity and NBA basketball legend, raves about the event. “I have been to a lot of events in my life, but what Dr. Chao does in bringing together the best of everything our world has to offer for such a critically important cause is beyond remarkable,” he said. “The setting at La Jolla Cove is better than perfect; the food and drink exquisite, the entertainment divine, the purpose noble and inspirational.” Most of all, Walton said, the people make the event. “Dr. Chao and all the others who work so tirelessly and endlessly so that others can have a chance to have their dreams come true have the unique ability to bring out the best in others, all the while having the time of our lives celebrating all that is good in our world,” Walton said. For additional information, call (858) 492-1116, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.tasteatthecove.com.