SAN DIEGO – On Wednesday, March 9 from 6 -10PM, San Diegans will have the opportunity to sample the cuisine of Master Chef winner Claudia Sandoval and Master Chef 4th place winner Nick Nappi during RESTORING VALOR, a fundraising dinner and silent auction being held at Border X Brewing in Barrio Logan to benefit the Deported Veterans Support House of Tijuana. The Friends of DVSH Partnership in conjunction with The Veterans for Peace are the main event organizers.

The Deported Veterans Support House advocates on behalf of and provides support and resources to veterans deported from the United States to Mexico — soldiers who have served in U.S. wars from Vietnam to Iraq. Though granted permanent legal resident status here due to their service, a single legal infraction – such as possession of a small amount of marijuana – provides them with a one-way ticket back to Mexico via Tijuana. And often, painfully, separates them from their families.

"I cannot imagine being separated from my sons for a couple of days, much less years," Mark Lane, organizer, activist and owner of Poppa's Fresh Fish Company recently stated. "The damage to their families is something most of us will never ever know the feeling. We're really hoping people will come out to support us, have a great time, some great food and bid on some amazing auction items donated from both sides of the border."

The event includes a 6-course tasting dinner designed and crafted by the Master Chef winners, a four beer sampler from Border X Brewery (their horchata flavored IP is NOT to be missed), a door prize drawing ticket, live music, art from regional artists, and an opportunity to bid on several San Diego and Baja California-based cultural and culinary "experiences".

Artwork on exhibit (and up for bid) during the event includes pieces from the residents of The Deported Veterans Support House and their US resident children, a signed print from trans-border photographer Josue Castro, an original mono silkscreen print from Phoenix-based artist Gennaro Garcia, a handcrafted table from artisan Erika Santana and much more.

Bid on an original mono silkscreen from Latino artist Gennaro Garcia.

The "experiences" up for auction include dinner for two at famed chef Javier Plascencia's restaurants in Baja California, a Tijuana taco tour with Antonio Ley (aka Tony T. of Anthony Bourdain No Reservations fame), two nights in an ocean view home in Ensenada with daytime culinary excursions, a private paella dinner prepare by paella master Carlos Cervantes and a private four course dinner prepared in your home by esteemed Mexican chef Martin San Roman.

AND, A Gringo in Mexico is offering an opportunity to join El Gringo, W. Scott Koenig, on a tour of some of his favorite spots for tastings and food in Baja California (exact package TBD and will be announced during the event on Wednesday, March 9). It's rumored that Scott's guests might just be rolling south in a luxurious Lincoln Navigator (sssshhhh).

Bid on an opportunity to hang out with A Gringo in Mexico in the Valle de Guadalupe.

All funds raised through RESTORING VALOR are earmarked for the purchase of a van that will be used to transport US veteran volunteers visiting from the US to the facility, for the transport of donations from the border, as well as for the transport of house residents to medical appointments. Additional funds raised will be used to pay rent for the facility, thus allowing DVSH staff to continue working on corrective legislation.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person and can be purchased at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2491772. This event is umbrellaed under the Veterans for Peace's 501(c)3 designation; donations to this event will be deductible on Federal filings.

Border X Brewing is located at 281 Logan Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113. (619) 501-0503. www.borderxbrewing.com.

A Gringo in Mexico, FoodieHub, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest.

Stay connected to San Diego Red through Facebook and Twitter.