SCO Raises $200K at 2024 Empty Bowls to Combat Hunger & Homelessness

SOUTH COUNTY OUTREACH RAISES OVER $200,000 AT 2024 EMPTY BOWLS TO COMBAT HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS

Annual experiential fundraiser continues to make a significant impact in the fight against hunger and homelessness in Orange County.

IRVINE, Calif. (April 29, 2024) – South County Outreach (SCO) hosted its highly anticipated Empty Bowls event on April 11, 2024, at the [AV] Irvine, drawing over 300 compassionate attendees. The event surpassed expectations by raising over $200,000 to bolster SCO’s critical programs aimed at addressing hunger and homelessness in Orange County.

The evening unfolded with an array of culinary delights in collaboration with renowned chefs and restaurants, providing guests with an unforgettable tasting experience. Distinguished panelists, including Dr. John C. Hernandez, President of Irvine Valley College; Dr. Elliot Stern, President of Saddleback College; and SCO’s very own President and CEO, LaVal Brewer, joined in on dynamic discussions addressing the needs and challenges in our community. The panel was moderated by Steve Churm, Founder and Principal of Churm | 360.

Guest Speaker, Mayor Kelly Jennings of Laguna Niguel, moved the audience with her deeply personal narrative, delving into her own journey of overcoming obstacles. With heartfelt candor, she illuminated how South County Outreach’s programs would have profoundly benefited her during her own struggles. Mayor Jennings expressed profound gratitude for the chance to stand behind the organization, resonating deeply with their mission and recognizing the transformative impact their programs have on individuals and families.

Mayor Jennings shared, “As Mayor, I’ve had the privilege of launching a monthly program called ‘Laguna Niguel Cares,’ where, on behalf of the City Council, we recognize the heroes and organizations that tirelessly give others a hand up in times of need. And, of course, South County Outreach was the first recipient of this recognition.”

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Brewer expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from sponsors, culinary partners, and volunteers, emphasizing the collective effort to make a meaningful difference in the community.

The immersive experience offered a variety of delectable cuisines from local chefs, vendors and small businesses including Brackens Kitchen, The Cookie Branch, Hart and Soul Vegan Cafe, JEMs Little Bites, Luciana’s Ristorante, Urban V’s Coffee and Tlacopan Cocina Mexicana.

Through the generosity of attendees and sponsors attending Empty Bowls, SCO continues its mission of preventing hunger and homelessness by helping people help themselves and transforming empty bowls into tables laden with nourishment.

The success of Empty Bowls, themed “Setting the Table for Change,” was made possible by sponsors including Abound Food Care, Banc of California, PSQ Productions, Capital Group Companies, Mission Lutheran Church, Angels Baseball Foundation, In-n-Out Burgers, MemorialCare, Sacred Harvest, Stifel, PNC Financial Services, Mackenzie Corporation, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Kitchen Table Marketing, UBS Financial Services, The Bowen Team, Caroline Wong, Holland & Knight LLP, Ken & Darlene Carpenter, Northern Trust, LifeSpring Home Nutrition and Southern California News Group.