About Us

La Dolce Vita Gourmet was established from a big heart and an urgent need. Owners, Chef, Nutritionist and celebrity trainer Joanna Fiore and interior designer Michael Valentine are the founders of La Dolce Vita Animal Rescue Foundation a 501 C 3 non-profit organization that provides medical care, surgery and homes for severally neglected and abused dogs. In tough economic times, donations for surgery and food for their special needs animals became sparse to none. The typical surgery for their rescue animals encompassed everything from amputations to acid burns from abusive owners. The range of cost for surgery and rehabilitation is typically between $600.00 to $3000.00.  Joanna and Michael came up with the idea to allow people to buy something they loved to eat while at the same time providing funding for surgery for abused animals. La Dolce Vita Gourmet was born from that desire, where money from sales of food and drink products go to their 501 C 3 nonprofit charitable organization.

You can adopt one of their rehabilitated dogs at www.ladolcevitarescue.com or at one of their local adoption events.

Products:

La Dolce Vita Gourmet’s line of organic nut butters, organic superfood juices,  organic sugarless cotton candy, organic superfood squeeze packs, organic superfood coffee blends, organic dressings and Diet Dice plans are unsurpassed in sweet and savory flavors. The majority of our products are made to order and available to ship anywhere. Products with a short shelf life, like our organic cotton candy and superfood juices are available only regionally in Los Angeles County. Go ahead … taste the sweet life! 

Mobile Food Vehicle

La Dolce Vita Gourmet presents the first mobile food vehicle made from a vintage 1947 Airstream in which the proceeds go to an animal charity. The La Dolce Vita Cafe Airstream has been retrofitted with a modern stainless steel kitchen and all preparation takes place in our state of the art commercial kitchen and packing facility.

Catering Events/Contact Info:

We are available for special events. Menu and prices vary depending on vegan/vegetarian needs. Call Chef Joanna Fiore and Michael Valentine 310-455-0486 for further details and pricing. ladolcevitagourmet@gmail.com.

Where does the money go?

In the beginning we were a small nonprofit and sold mostly at farmer markets, so we were able to give 100% of the profit above expenses to the wellbeing of animals. As we grew to stores across North America and Canada, with La Dolce Vita Gourmet products, we formed a second corporation that donates back to the non-profit.

We opened La Dolce Vita Gourmet, Inc in 2013 which donates funds to our 501 C 3 nonprofit La Dolce Vita Animal Rescue Foundation.   The funds go to veterinarian bills, medication, building lease, food, maintenance, cleaning, electricity, gas, volunteer reimbursement, pull fees and bed/blanket monthly rotations, etc.

Why do we charge an adoption fee?

We charge an adoption fee of $250 per soul.  We found it best to charge a fee to give value to serious & permanent homes. To not charge a fee potentially says; “I can try out this dog at no financial loss to me, and if it does not work out … then no big deal.”

The medical care of one animal on average cost the rescue approximately $2K and the adoption fee remains $250 per animal to adoptive families. We also take back any animal in the event an adoption does not work out for either the adopted animal or new parents.

How much money goes to the animals?

-As much as possible. The best answer is that the money spent on animals varies (25% to 75% monthly) based on the needs of the occupancy load of the rescue and the urgent medical attention of an animal(s) that comes under our wing.

Contact:

email us at ladolcevitagourmet@gmail.com.