The Crowd: ‘Priceless Luncheon’ spotlights human trafficking
They called it “The Priceless Luncheon,” a gathering of concerned O.C. residents horrified by the explosion of human trafficking worldwide, including abuse in the U.S.
Chaired by Jasmine Shodja, a vice president with Wells Fargo Bank, the luncheon held Sept. 19 at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach attracted 350 guests under the banner of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice.
The emotional and serious conference honored victims of trafficking, many of whom were on hand to share their personal experiences, helping to put a human face on the often hidden abuse that so many people are shocked to learn about.
Among the testimonials shared was that of Rachel Thomas, now an activist and co-founder of the group Sowers Education. Thomas created a video telling of her victimization and survival as a trafficking prisoner.
The keynote speaker at the event was Sandra Morgan, director of Vanguard’s Global Center for Women and Justice. Morgan asked everyone in her audience to become proactive.
“We need to educate every teacher, probation officer, healthcare provider and welfare worker that trafficking is happening in our community,” she said.
Among the honored guests in attendance were Betsy Tarbell of Newport Beach, Kyla Smith of Los Angeles, advocates Karen and Barry Mequiar, Sally and Dr. Richard Afable, president and CEO of Hoag Hospital, Elisabeth Bernay, Kara Noone, Nicole Ospina, Jan Landstrom, Pat and Bill Podlich, and Darrellyn and David Melilli.
Also sharing their story with local advocates were survivors of trafficking from New Delhi, India — Pabitra Sunar, Chandrakala Badi, and Devisara Badi. The young women bravely told of horrors faced by countless young girls in India. Moved by the confessions were guests including Ruth Campbell, Gwyn and William Hoyt, Faith and Michael Beals, Joanna Baker, Helen Steinkamp, Adele and David Oddo, and Mary Beth Molnar.
To learn more about The Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University, visit vanguard.edu-gcwj.
*
One Man Can Make A Difference
Chef and restaurateur Bruno Serato, owner of the Anaheim White House Restaurant, created a charity in 2005 named Caterina’s Club. The inspiration came to Serato following a visit with his mother to a local Boys and Girls Club.
They came across a 7-year-old boy eating a bag of potato chips that turned out to be his only dinner of the day. Serato’s mother asked her son to go back to the restaurant and make some pasta for the children at the Boys and Girls Club. For the past 10 years, each and every night since, Serato has been feeding hungry children in Orange County.
Recently, Caterina’s Club held a gala fundraiser in celebration of 10 years of community service, which has included serving an incredible 1 million pasta dinners for hungry children, many of whom are living in cars and motels. More than $225,000 was raised.
The evening unfolded at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, attracting some 300 donors from throughout Southern California, including a major contingent from the Newport-Mesa community. The respected journalist Ed Arnold emceed the event.
VIPs in the crowd included Emmy Award-winning actress Doris Roberts, radio talk show host Bill Handle and international opera stars Maria Elena Infantino and Elisabetta Russo. To learn more about the work of Serato and Caterina’s Club, visit caterinasclub.org or go to anaheimwhitehouse.com.
*
Attention All Craft Brew Aficionados
The first Craft Brew Fest Weekend debuts Oct. 16 to 18 in the bayfront gastropub known as A+O (Anchors and Oceans) Kitchen+Bar at the Balboa Bay Resort.
Executive chef Rachael Haggstrom and her culinary team have joined forces with a number of craft brew makers, with a principal participant being Ballast Point, to create a weekend of events for local beer lovers.
On that Friday evening, Ballast Point will be featured in a five-course dinner that includes white bass sashimi, a lamb duo of chops and a braised lamb bastille, and a beer soup made of chicken, kale and quail egg.
On Saturday, the Beer Garden Festival kicks off at noon. It will feature food stations offering tuna tartar, braised beef cheek sliders, Cuban pretzel panini and poutine. Craft brews will come from Green Flash, Golden Road, Rough Draft, Dudes, and Ballast Point.
On that Sunday, Oct. 18, Beer For Breakfast will begin at 9 am. A selection of favorite brunch items will be accompanied by favorite brews. For tickets and information, call (844) 477-3423 or go to balboabayresort.com.
*
THE CROWD runs Fridays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
