Thanks to the spectacular efforts of our pie sellers, this year’s Mama’s Pies Thanksgiving Bake Sale raised $114,000! Our gracious sellers assisted with the sale of over 2,500 freshly baked pies throughout San Diego County, but most importantly, helped provide 41,360 meals to our clients and neighbors in need. Thank you to all who participated!

While the average number of pies sold among sellers was 50, some went above and beyond and for that, we wanted to recognize them as a top pie seller for 2023!

Top Individual Sellers

First Place: Steve Carnes – 143 Pies

In my days spent volunteering twice a week, I found immense joy in helping with grocery bags at Mama’s Kitchen.  Even though distance now separates me from direct hands-on involvement, my commitment to Mama’s Kitchen remains unwavering. Each Thanksgiving, I channel my support by organizing pie and feast sales — a tradition that not only brings people together for a delicious cause but also contributes to the heartwarming mission of Mama’s Kitchen. Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that volunteering is not just about a location; it’s a commitment to making a positive impact, regardless of physical proximity. Mama’s Kitchen has become a part of my journey, and I am grateful for the opportunities to continue supporting their invaluable work, even from afar.

Second Place: Andrew Rosenberg – 105 Pies

For nearly 15 years, I’ve poured my heart into Mama’s Kitchen, and their annual pie sale is something I look forward to every October. It’s more than just selling pies; it’s my chance to rally new faces, ignite passion, and spread the excitement of our mission. Next year, I eagerly await the opportunity to beat Steve Carnes!

Third Place: Mishelle McClanahan-Shinn From Scripps Assist- 103 Pies

A former ScrippsAssists committee member had a friend who was a client of Mama’s Kitchen and upon their recommendation of the great programs and support that Mama’s Kitchen provides, the annual pie sale was added as a ScrippsAssists annual campaign in 2011. Mishelle took over as project lead in 2015, increasing sales over the years. The annual pie sale remains one of the most popular campaigns on the Scripps Research campus.

Top Pie Seller Teams

First Place: Jack in the Box – 410 pies

Jack in the Box has been proud to partner with Mama’s for many years not only with the annual Mama’s Pies Thanksgiving Bake Sale but also monthly staging meals for delivery. We love Mama’s Kitchen for what they do and why they do it!

 

Second Place: Klinge Realty Group – 161 pies

Five years ago, we were introduced to Mama’s Kitchen and their #1 fundraiser Mama’s Pies. We believed this could be the charity we could lean in and support as our way to give back. As we began supporting their mission and cause, we asked our clients, friends, family, and vendors to join us as we “Give Back, One Pie at a Time.” The response has been tremendous, and they have been by our side every step of the way. We love everything about Mama’s Pies, and it’s the perfect Fall charity as so many focus on gratitude, giving back, and choosing to do good. We offer a free pie on us! In addition, we encourage them to buy their additional Thanksgiving pies through Mama’s Pies and donate to the cause. We have hosted an event where pies can be picked up, but in 2020 we pivoted due to COVID and now offer to personally deliver everyone’s pies. The pies are seriously the very best! They are so delicious and it makes you feel good inside knowing you’re doing your part to help those in need. It has been amazing to watch the growth each year. In 2019, we sold 46 pies which translated to 368 meals. This year, we sold 161 pies which is 1,932 meals. Our hearts are full, and we are humbled by the generosity, kindness, and commitment of those in our world and their willingness to give back. As Audrey Hepburn said, “You have two hands: One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

Third Place: Neda Nourani & Associates – 122 pies

It has become one of my favorite annual traditions that as a thank you to our wonderful clients during the holidays, we give them the gift of delicious pies that also give back to the community we love and cherish. We are grateful to Mama’s Kitchen for allowing us the opportunity to participate each year, and help donate thousands of meals to those in need.

 

Thank you to ALL of our individual sellers and teams for their efforts!