Huntington Beach, CA — The 29th Annual Share Our Selves (SOS) Celebrity Chef Dinner brought over 250 generous community members together for an exciting evening of fun, delicious food and drinks, and philanthropy. The event, held at the beautiful Paséa Hotel & Spa on Friday, October 11, 2019, highlighted 12 phenomenal local chefs committed to helping those in need in Orange County. The event netted approximately $129,000 in support of the SOS Food Pantry and Comprehensive Service Center, which provides food and needed services such as rental and utilities assistance, transportation, and seasonal programs for low-income individuals and families.
The event began with an outdoor reception highlighting the beautiful beachfront location. Guests were able to mingle with chefs and beverage sponsors, enjoy live music, and learn about SOS from staff and informational signage as the sun set behind the Huntington Beach pier just across the street. The reception featured hors d’oeuvres stations, and wine and beer tastings. A wine pull gave guests the chance to buy a mystery bottle of wine for $30 that was valued anywhere from $20 to $175. The silent auction afforded attendees another chance to bid on fun items donated by local individuals and businesses.
Guests then moved to the ballroom for the first course, entrée and dessert during the live auction and program. New CEO Christy Ward addressed the crowd, speaking to her excitement in joining the SOS team. Social Services Director Michael McGlinn then gave a heartfelt talk about SOS’s homeless clients and the many measures the organization is taking to address their health and get them into housing. One-of-a-kind dinners prepared by our chefs made for an enticing live auction lineup, and emcee Zack Krone kept the frenzied bidders raising their paddles. The evening ended with a lively Fund A Need, in which bidders raised their paddles one last time to make a contribution to SOS. The Fund A Need raised over $59,000 in just over five minutes.
