More than 300 supporters are expected to gather tonight at Bourbon Street’s 12th Annual Wine Tasting for Mama’s Kitchen. Organizers anticipate “A Smashing Good Time” at the event, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Bourbon Street has a long and happy relationship with the people in our community who are working hard to make the people in it safer, happier and healthier,” said co-owner of Bourbon Street, Michael Mack, about hosting the event for the 12th consecutive year. “Without the community, we would not exist and it is because of that realization that we feel compelled to give back.”

A number of local community businesses are involved in helping to make possible the fund-raiser for the nonprofit organization that delivers free, nutritious meals to hundreds of clients throughout San Diego County.

On the list are five wines, including Jewell Collection Viognier, Stonewall Pinots, Coppola Rosso, Freixenet USA, and William Hill, provided by Southern Wine and Spirits for the 12th consecutive year. Scott Wagner’s ChileCo will provide hors d’oeurves and the Lei Lounge and Ono Sushi will provide additional food, Mack said.

Radio personality Monique Marvez from Jack 100.7 will host the event, and there will also be live entertainment and a silent auction.

Mama’s Kitchen has provided healthy meals for people with HIV/AIDS since 1990. Since its inception, the organization has branched out and created new programs serving new clients. In 1997, it started its grocery bag program, which delivers a bag of groceries to families with children who are HIV positive. Mama’s Kitchen also launched the Children’s Nutritional Health Program, which provides cooked meals for the children of their clients who are too sick to cook for their own. In 2006, the Mama’s kitchen mission, which previously primarily focused on providing nutritious food for people living with HIV/AIDS, expanded to include those suffering from other critical illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease and kidney failure. In April, the agency, which provides three meals a day 365 days a year served its 4 millionth meal.

“With our recent expansion of our mission to serve clients who have critical illnesses in addition to those who are affected by HIV/AIDS, [such events] are a crucial night for us,” said Alberto Cortes, the organization’s executive director.

This year, Mama’s Kitchen, which prepares and delivers three meals a day every day of the week to about 300 men, women, and children, expects to lose an additional five percent of its federal funding from the Ryan White CARE Act, according to Cortes. With the elimination of this funding, individuals suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses will be unable to receive the food and personal care products they need to stay alive and healthy, Cortes said.

“Nutrition is critical to managing illness, reducing its complications, extending quality years of life and ultimately reducing healthcare expenses,” Cortes said. “We provide one year of home delivered meals to a client for less than [the expense of] four nights in the hospital.”

Mama’s Kitchen relies on funding and donations from private foundations and individuals, which makes A Smashing Good Time and other fund-raising events critical for the organization. The nonprofit’s signature event, Mama’s Day, which happens every May, accounts for nearly 10 percent of the organization’s annual budget.

“Mama’s Kitchen is an organization [that] reaches out to all people regardless of their sexual orientation, who need support, a friendly face, and nourishment. Organizations like Mama’s Kitchen are what make our community strong and a place to be proud of,” Mack said.

Tickets for “A Smashing Good Time” are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information, call 619-233-6262 or visit www.mamaskitchen.org.