Meet Nino Venturella | CEO and Founder of Cruise 4 Kids (501c3)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nino Venturella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nino, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind our success at Cruise 4 Kids (C4K) has been our dedication to collaboration and building meaningful partnerships with other nonprofits. Starting a nonprofit requires passion, resilience, and a “whatever it takes” mindset. But beyond that, our success has truly been driven by our ability to bring together various organizations that work directly with underserved and vulnerable youth in our community.

At C4K, our mission extends beyond just our efforts—we’re committed to amplifying the work of other nonprofits that may not have the resources to organize large-scale events. We’ve had the privilege of partnering with impactful organizations such as Autism Tree Project Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, Miracle Babies, Easter Seals SoCal, Promises2Kids, Father Joe’s Villages, and Kroc Center of San Diego. Together, we’ve been able to make a greater impact, whether it’s by donating thousands of plush toys or providing financial support across San Diego County. Events like our Teddy Ball, which collects over 2,000 teddy bears each year, serve as a reminder of the collective effort and the joy we bring to children in need, especially during the holiday season.

Another key factor has been our commitment to building the C4K brand over time. As we celebrate our 13th year of hosting charity events and our 11th annual Teddy Ball in 2024, it’s clear that persistence and adaptability have been crucial. It’s taken years of dedication to reach the point where our events have the level of recognition they do today. Even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted and found new ways to ensure our events remained successful. It’s this long-term vision, commitment to community, and willingness to evolve that has fueled our growth and success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
With over three decades of being a dedicated resident of San Diego, my professional journey has been shaped by the importance of building lasting relationships and adapting to new challenges. Starting as an art major, my career took a sharp turn towards finance, where I discovered a unique blend of creativity and stability. It wasn’t always a smooth path—moving away from my early ambitions as an artist was a tough decision—but it led me to the world of wealth management and mortgages, where I found my passion for orchestrating client events and educational seminars. This creative approach to finance set me apart from others in the field and laid the groundwork for my next venture.

In 2011, I took a leap and founded Cruise 4 Kids (C4K), a nonprofit organization that became the heart of my professional and philanthropic work. What started as a local initiative to support children and youth organizations has grown into a broader movement, reaching across the state, country, and even globally. Our signature events—The Teddy Ball, The Bunny Ball, and the Cruise 4 Kids Car Show—highlight our dedication to making a real impact in the community. What makes C4K truly special is our commitment to being a pure nonprofit. All our board members volunteer their time and energy to make these events a success, driven by a shared passion for giving back.

Today, I also serve as the Director of Sales and Sponsorships at Pump House Media, where we help brands grow through media marketing, apparel printing, and event activations. Our goal is to lift the logistical weight off our clients so they can focus on what matters most: their brand identity and growth. We’ve been fortunate to work with high-profile names like Speed Society, VP Racing Fuels, Mustang Dyne, Whipple Superchargers, and NHRA Drag Racer Alex Laughlin. Our partnerships with these brands are a testament to the quality and effectiveness of our services.

The journey hasn’t been easy, but the challenges have taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to your vision. I want the world to know that whether it’s through C4K or my work with Pump House Media, I’m committed to making a positive impact—one that’s creative, collaborative, and community-focused. If you’re looking to elevate your brand or make a difference, I’d love to connect and explore how we can achieve success together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best of what this amazing city has to offer. San Diego’s mix of beaches, culture, great food, and laid-back vibes is unbeatable. Here’s a little itinerary for an unforgettable trip:

Day 1: La Jolla & Torrey Pines
Breakfast: Start the day at The Cottage in La Jolla for some of the best brunch in town.
Morning: Head to La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions and take in the stunning coastal views. If they’re up for it, we’d rent kayaks or go snorkeling at the La Jolla Underwater Park.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Duke’s La Jolla, which offers great food with a view of the Pacific.
Afternoon: Hike the trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve—the views are spectacular, especially at sunset.
Dinner: For the evening, I’d take them to George’s at the Cove for an upscale dining experience with an unbeatable sunset view over the ocean.
Drinks: We’d finish the night with cocktails at Raised by Wolves in UTC, a speakeasy-style bar with a unique atmosphere.

Day 2: Downtown & Coronado
Breakfast: Start with breakfast at Morning Glory in Little Italy—it’s worth the wait for their over-the-top pancakes and playful vibe.
Morning: Explore Balboa Park, visiting the San Diego Museum of Art or the Botanical Building, and maybe even catch a performance at the Old Globe Theatre.
Lunch: Enjoy some authentic Mexican food at Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio Logan.
Afternoon: Take a ferry to Coronado Island, rent bikes, and cruise along the scenic waterfront. Visit the iconic Hotel Del Coronado for a drink on their beachside patio.
Dinner: Have a seafood feast at Island Prime on Harbor Island, where you’ll get great views of the downtown skyline.
Drinks: End the night at Altitude Sky Lounge downtown, which offers panoramic views of the city from a rooftop bar.

Day 3: North Park & South Park
Breakfast: Kick off the day at Communal Coffee in North Park, where you can sip lattes in a café that doubles as a flower shop.
Morning: Stroll around Balboa Park or visit the San Diego Zoo, one of the best in the world.
Lunch: Try a casual but delicious meal at The Smoking Goat in North Park.
Afternoon: Explore the indie shops and art galleries in South Park or grab a craft beer at one of the local breweries like Modern Times.
Dinner: Head to Buona Forchetta in South Park for some of the best wood-fired pizza in the city.
Drinks: North Park is full of bars, but Polite Provisions is a standout for creative cocktails.

Day 4: Old Town & Point Loma
Breakfast: Have breakfast at Kono’s Cafe in Pacific Beach, a local favorite by the beach.
Morning: Explore Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California, with its historic buildings, vibrant shops, and authentic Mexican markets.
Lunch: Enjoy some tacos and margaritas at Cafe Coyote in Old Town.
Afternoon: Drive out to Point Loma to visit the Cabrillo National Monument for panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. If we have time, a visit to the Liberty Public Market in Liberty Station for some gourmet bites and local shopping would be a must.
Dinner: End the day with fresh seafood at Mitch’s Seafood on the Point Loma harbor.
Drinks: Grab a drink at The Brigantine or Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station.

Day 5: Encinitas & Del Mar
Breakfast: Take a morning drive up the coast to Encinitas and stop by Honey’s Bistro for a casual breakfast.
Morning: Spend time at Moonlight Beach or explore the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas for a peaceful, nature-filled morning.
Lunch: Stop at Fish 101 for some of the best seafood in North County.
Afternoon: Head to Del Mar for a relaxing afternoon at Seagrove Park or check out the famous Del Mar Racetrack if there’s a race in town.
Dinner: Have dinner at Jake’s Del Mar, which offers beachfront dining with stunning ocean views.
Drinks: Enjoy a craft cocktail at Noble Experiment, an intimate speakeasy hidden behind a secret door downtown.

Day 6: Mission Bay & Pacific Beach
Breakfast: Enjoy world famous donuts at Donut Bar in Pacific Beach, then take a morning stroll along the PB boardwalk.
Morning: Rent paddleboards or kayaks at Mission Bay for a relaxing morning on the water.
Lunch: Have some tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, a must-visit for fish taco lovers.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon lounging at Mission Beach or hop on the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster at Belmont Park for some nostalgic fun.
Dinner: Enjoy the laid-back vibe at The Fishery in Pacific Beach, known for its fresh catches.
Drinks: End the evening with sunset drinks at Tower 23, right on the beach, where you can watch the sun go down over the Pacific.

Day 7: Little Italy & Waterfront
Breakfast: Grab coffee and pastries at James Coffee Co. in Little Italy to fuel up for the day.
Morning: Wander around the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market, sampling local produce and artisanal goods.
Lunch: Stop for a delicious Italian meal at Bencotto or Nonna in Little Italy.
Afternoon: Spend the last afternoon at the USS Midway Museum or strolling along the waterfront at Seaport Village.
Dinner: Finish the trip with a fine dining experience at Mister A’s, where you can take in stunning views of the city and the bay.
Drinks: End the week with a celebratory drink at Top of the Hyatt, with its breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline and harbor.

This itinerary is packed with a little bit of everything—beaches, culture, food, and drinks—giving my friend a well-rounded experience of what makes San Diego so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a special shoutout to the incredible hosts and sponsors who have been supporting Cruise 4 Kids for over five years. Their generous financial contributions and unwavering support have been key to our ability to organize and underwrite our charity events. These individuals and companies have consistently stood by us year after year, and they’ve truly become part of the C4K family. We are deeply grateful for their commitment.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to:

Attorney King Aminpour Car & Motorcycle Injury Lawyers
Brent Wilsey with Wilsey Asset Management
Brian Bowersock with West Automotive Group
Julianna Arrant with Global Luxury Home Sales
Louis & Andrea Pelliccia with Balloon Art SD
Marc Kranz with MEK Enterprises Moving Services
Ali Horuz with VIP Outdoor Media
Jessie Aguayo with Krystal Productions
Dina Bedenko with Energia Entertainment
Lars Helgeson with Greenrope
Jolin Putrus with Everlasting Entertainment
Carla Kellogg with San Diego Candy Buffet
Bill & Tina Howe with Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Restoration & Flood Services
Santiago Campa with Donut Bar San Diego
Dan Fulkerson and Dan Batta with Batta Fulkerson Law Group
Shawnda Dorantes with Beauty Lounge San Marcos

Their contributions have played a pivotal role in making our events a success, and we couldn’t be more thankful for their ongoing partnership and support.

Website: https://Cruise4kids.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninov760/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninoventurella

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninoventurella

Image Credits
Ni0 Media, Climartx