Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

In January 2019, former Arizona Cardinals player Kwamie Lassiter suddenly and tragically passed away from a heart attack after working out at age 49. On Wednesday, July 7, Los Sombreros will host a benefit for the Kwamie Lassiter Foundation, donating 20% of all proceeds from that day to the Kwamie Lassiter Foundation and announcing an ongoing partnership where Los Sombreros will donate $1 from all crispy potato taco sales to the Foundation on an ongoing basis.

Los Sombreros owner Kurt Riske first met Kwamie when the well-loved pro football player volunteered his time as a “celebrity smasher” with Smashburger, Riske’s employer at the time.

“Kwamie and I hit it off immediately,” says Riske. “Despite our different backgrounds and careers, we found we had a lot in common. It was easy to become fast friends with a guy like Kwamie.”

Riske has remained close with the Lassiter family, supported the Foundation, and participated in the Kwamie Lassiter Memorial Golf Tournament. Recent conversations led to the creation of the upcoming July 7 benefit event and ongoing taco partnership.

“The support from the community for the Kwamie Lassiter Foundation is a blessing,” says Ericka Lassiter. “Kwamie’s legacy continues to grow, and his dedication to giving back to the community is truly coming back to support the work of the foundation to raise awareness of sickle cell anemia and inspiring leadership in children through education.”

About the Kwamie Lassiter Foundation

Before he passed, Lassiter and his wife Ericka created the Lassiter T.A.C.K.L.E Foundation, Teaching All Children to Kickoff Leadership through Education, to help children with the challenges they face in school. In 2014, T.A.C.K.L.E. was established as a nonprofit organization and the name changed to The Kwamie Lassiter Foundation to broaden the foundation’s impact in the community and to include specific health issues as well as factors in education.  Today, the mission of The Kwamie Lassiter Foundation is to promote comprehensive awareness of Sickle Cell Anemia Disease while continuing to target the way children are motivated to inspire leadership through education.

About Los Sombreros

Since 1994, Los Sombreros has enjoyed a loyal following for its delectable authentic Mexican cuisine served by a family of friends, many who have been with the restaurant for decades. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or making a regular day special, Los Sombreros is an iconic spot to enjoy flavorful bites and refreshing cocktails like the famous Steve-a-Rita margarita. With locations in South Scottsdale, Uptown Phoenix, and Mesa, Los Sombreros has earned its reputation as the Valley’s ultimate locally owned Mexican food eatery. We look forward to welcoming you into our charming brick restaurants or onto our spacious misted patios. Explore our menu and more at lossombreros.com and @lossombrerosaz on Instagram.