Charity News

Caterina's Club Gala Raises $653,000 To Support Children And Families In Need

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Caterina’s Club raised $653,000 during its annual gala, drawing 398 supporters for an evening dedicated to helping children and families in need throughout Southern California. The black-tie event was held at the Highway 39 Event Center in Anaheim. Founded by Huntington Beach resident Sir Bruno Serato and named in honor of his mother, Caterina, the nonprofit provides warm meals to children, assists families in securing permanent housing and helps at-risk youth prepare for careers in the hospitality industry. Among the evening’s highlights was a performance by Chloe DiPenta, daughter of former professional hockey player and Caterina's Club supporter Joe DiPenta. A student at the Orange County School of the Arts, Chloe performed two songs and received a standing ovation from enthusiastic attendees. The evening also honored Michael Hunn, Sue and Michael Cassidy, Simin Hashemizadeh and Bobbie Stovall for their contributions to the community and their support of Caterina’s Club. Stovall was presented with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award. According to Serato, each of the award recipients has demonstrated a consistent, heartfelt and loyal dedication to those served by the nonprofit including children, families and at-risk youth. “This was an extraordinary evening and an overwhelming show of generosity,” said Serato. “Every dollar raised allows us to continue feeding children, helping families find stable housing and creating opportunities for young people who deserve a brighter future. I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and supported our mission.” The gala brought together longtime supporters, community leaders, philanthropists and friends of Caterina’s Club for an evening of celebration while raising critical funds for the nonprofit’s programs. Caterina’s Club was founded in 2005 by Serato and today serves more than 20,000 warm, nutritious meals each week to children in need, helps struggling families move into permanent housing and provides job training to at-risk youth seeking careers in the hospitality industry. For more information about Caterina’s Club or to make a donation, visit www.caterinasclub.org .