Support Judy Forman and The Big Kitchen — GoFundMe Set Up

Let’s Help Her Through This Tough Time — Visit the GoFundMe Page

Friends,

Judy Forman, “Judy the Beauty on Duty” of The Big Kitchen, urgently needs our help. The past five years have been incredibly challenging for small businesses everywhere, and while The Big Kitchen thankfully remains open, Judy has faced a difficult road.

Following the pandemic, Judy suffered a heart attack. Her recovery has been long and difficult, and impacted her ability to manage the business. This led to unpaid taxes and mounting penalties, which recently resulted in funds being taken directly from her bank accounts – money she desperately needed for essential expenses like rent.
As a friend and someone who has personally benefited from Judy’s incredible generosity over the years, I believe it’s time for us to step up.

More Than a Restaurant: A Lifeline

For over 45 years, Judy and The Big Kitchen have been a cornerstone of the San Diego community. It’s far more than just a place to eat; it’s an unofficial social service agency without the benefit of non-profit status! Judy has consistently fed the hungry, providing meals to the poor and homeless. She’s empowered youth by employing gang members to help them off the streets. She created safe spaces, offering a meeting place for LGBTQ youth before The Center existed, and later, a neutral ground for the SDPD and the gay community to foster understanding and reduce violence. Judy has nurtured souls, serving as a mother figure to those rejected by their families and providing crucial support during the AIDS epidemic, sitting with individuals so they wouldn’t die alone. She tirelessly supported the community, sponsoring countless local initiatives through spaghetti dinner fundraisers, including softball teams, frisbee teams, school art and music programs, mothers’ support groups, and yoga associations.

The Magic of The Big Kitchen

The Big Kitchen is a magical place where dreams are born and connections are forged. It’s a home for “The Counter Culture,” where magical encounters happen every day. I can personally attest to its power; it’s where my husband and I planned our first date. Later, I found the job that launched my 25-year career as a social worker!
Judy is one-of-a-kind, living authentically with a deep commitment to positivity and people. She has given tirelessly over the past 45 years, never expecting anything in return. Now, after a lifetime of selflessness, she needs us.

How You Can Help

Please consider these ways to support Judy:

Contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to help ease her financial burden.
Stop by The Big Kitchen and say hello; she’d love to see you!
Support the business by buying a meal or two while you’re there.
Share your memories and experiences with Judy and The Big Kitchen.
Most importantly, celebrate life, because that’s what Judy taught us to do every day.

Thank you for your love and support.
Much love to all,
Cyndy