The Taste of Asia 2009 event is back in Balboa Park on Saturday, September 26th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual event, emceed by NBC 7/39's Tony Shin, is hosted by a variety of local Asian community organizations as a collaborative effort to raise money and awareness for organizations dedicated to improving living conditions in poor countries. This is a completely volunteer-based charity event and 100% of the proceeds are donated to Lotus Outreach and International Humanity Foundation.

Attendees are welcome to try foods from a variety of countries all the way from China to India. Participating restaurants to date include: Ashoka the Great Cuisine of India, Bali Thai, Cristy Bakery and Restaurant, Golden City, Happy Sushi, La Basil Thai, Phuong Trang, Point Point, Saigon on Fifth and Spice Thai.

This year, the beneficiaries of Taste of Asia include the Lotus Outreach and the International Humanity Foundation (IHF). Lotus Outreach was originally established to support refugee education in India, but now also helps with the rehabilitation of survivors of human trafficking and refugee exploitation throughout Asia. The IHF seeks to educate the poor and educate the world about the poor. With locations in Indonesia, Kenya and Thailand, IHF strives to educate the youth in these countries through their orphanages and education centers.

Various museums are supporting the event by offering $2 off discounts to attendees, including the Museum of Man, Natural History Museum, Automotive Museum, Air and Space Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, Veterans Museum , Hall of Champions, and San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.

There will be fun cultural activities that everyone in the family can participate in, from Chinese Calligraphy to Thai fruit carving to lantern making. Ethnic entertainment will be a highlight of the event as you are astounded by performances from local cultural groups. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children.