FOR A GOOD CAUSE:Loco ingredients to make an appearance

For Chef Louie Francis Jocson, goodwill is served inside a warm taco shell.

Representing Costa Mesa’s Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Jocson is one of 19 local chefs competing to concoct the most creative taco for Share Our Selves’ 14th annual Wild and Crazy Taco Night on Thursday.

This year, Jocson’s contribution to the fundraiser will be about 500 surf and turf tacos, featuring herb-crusted filet and marinated shrimp with avocado salsa and spicy tomato relish.

“It’s a very unusual and unique event where you get to mingle among your friends in the industry and also support an incredible cause,” Jocson said, adding that the restaurant donates beer for the event as well as a case to each of the participating chefs. “And who doesn’t like tacos?”

Conceived as a way to support Share Our Selves’ Orange Aid project — which distributes more than 200 bags of food to local families in need every day — the event promises more than 700 guests a casual evening of delectable cuisine, with all the proceeds going toward a good cause.

The pleasant setting brings Eric Alcouloumre, an emergency physician at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, back year after year, as well as the promise of exotic foods, which have included alligator, snapping turtle, wild boar and octopus.

“All the people there are so warm and friendly and it’s a bargain as far as the food you get from these top-notch chefs,” he said.

Holding the event at the nonprofit’s Costa Mesa office allows guests to get a feel for the various forms of assistance Share Our Selves offers to the community, which include medical, dental and social services.

Moreover, it is a time to recognize the valuable contributions of numerous volunteers.

“This event really shows a strong commitment from the community to our cause, especially from the chefs who are helping to feed people who are hungry and lacking food security for one reason or another,” said Karen Harrington, director of development for Share Our Selves.

Thursday’s taco night will also feature the culinary expertise of the event’s founders, chef Alan Greeley from the Golden Truffle in Costa Mesa and chef Michael Kang from Laguna Beach’s Five Feet Restaurant. Panera Bread and Pacific Whey Cafe will donate desserts and Wahoo’s Fish Taco will serve beer and margaritas.

Many of the same chefs will also contribute to the five-course, gourmet dinner to be served at the organization’s annual Celebrity Chef Dinner and Auction, set for Oct. 27 at the Fairmont Newport Beach.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: Share Our Selves’ 14th annual Wild and Crazy Taco Night

WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Share Our Selves, 1550 Superior Ave., Costa Mesa

COST: Tickets are $50. The event is sold out, but Share Our Selves is taking names for a waiting list.

INFO: www.shareourselves.org or (949) 515-5400, ext. 34