“Food and music is the only common language everyone in the world speaks - it shows us what community is,” says Vallie Gilley, CEO and Founder of Feeding the Soul Foundation, the organization that supports ‘concerts for causes’ by promoting local charities through local artists, concerts and special events.

This Saturday, March 24th Feed the Soul will celebrate its second birthday in San Diego and honor the local 501© nonprofit Angel Faces, an organization that provides healing treatments for adolescent girls with burn or trauma injuries.

“Angel Faces is a retreat that truly focuses on the healing process within a holistic framework. Mind, heart, and spirit are all addressed. The end result is a new, hope-filled start,” says Jennifer Tokatyan, Executive Director for Angel Faces.

This weekend’s Feeding the Soul will present Jessie Payo, Alysse Fischer, The Lovebirds, The Paul Cannon Band, Voices of Prayze and more at the Encinitas’ Seaside Center for Spiritual Living. To learn more about the leading ladies of both events, Jennifer and Vallie told us their favorites:

What's your most memorable concert?

 (Jennifer) My very first one...DEVO...when I was in the 8th grade!

(Vallie) Jason Mraz in Santa Barbara last year; it was the first time I was ever in the front at a concert (i'm a seated-away-from-the-crowd kind-of concert goer) but my friends talked me into the front and with of them there we danced, laughed and the music was awesome.

What's your way of coping with stress?

(Jennifer) Stress? What stress? Just kidding! Exercise, sleep, and quiet time to meditate; a little time in nature always helps, too. The ocean, mountains, tall trees, or flowers...instant calming.

(Vallie) Listening to music while I swim laps or walk by the beach. 

What your biggest indulgence?

(Jennifer) Any time I get a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage - I feel I am indulging in taking care of myself.

(Vallie) Taking time for a great vacation twice a year. We work hard all year long to indulge in the warmth of some tropical place and I do it right....meaning going all out first class, best restaurants, finest farmers markets lounging all day on the beach and going to bed early and rising late in the morning.

What's your guilty pleasure?

(Jennifer) Sleeping in when I have the chance.

(Vallie) Cup of coffee in my pj's without having to serve anyone else first

Do you have a favorite hobby?

(Jennifer) I love exercising...running, swimming, riding my bike, going to the gym, and yoga. And I like to run in races from 5Ks and half marathons to sprint triathlons. I also like to do vision boarding.

(Vallie)I love to cook and bake and watch the first bite. I love to create something made with love with awesome ingredients and a bounty of taste just to see the people around me smile in yummy splendor after their first bite. I’m so grateful for this hobby it feeds my soul truly. 

Who is your favorite charity?

(Jennifer) Angel Faces, of course!

(Vallie) Feeding The Soul Foundation of course because that's my life :0) but a close runner up to this is my local soup kitchen Brother Bennos.....their motto is uplifting the dignity of those they serve.....which I think is important. Just because people are down on their luck they shouldn't have to feel like less of a person. This is really, really crucial message about life.

What is your favorite thing about your city?

(Jennifer) My favorite thing about San Diego is how active the people are...the lifestyle is healthy, active and friendly.

(Vallie) I love that my city has flavor...it's beachy and mellow, it's a tad transient in nature, but loyal in community, the vibration is unique to its melting pot of people....pretty perfect if you ask me.

What gets you up in the morning?

(Jennifer) My personal mission gets me up in the morning - to spread positive energy; love, joy and optimism; a spirit of helping others; and to make a positive difference in someone's life. It’s all about love and kindness.

(Vallie) My orange kitty....no really what gets me up in the morning is that every new day is full of possibilities for the most amazing life ever AND my orange kitty :)

• To get more information about Saturday, March 24th event visit the event website.
• Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive, Encinitas, CA
• Reception: 6pm
• Music: 7:30
• Dinner, auction and early admission: $40
• Concert only: $25