Union Station Homeless Services serves its annual Thanksgiving dinner in Pasadena Central Park Nov. 24, 2016. (Photo by Leo Jarzomb, SGV Tribune/ SCNG)
By Christopher Yee, Pasadena Star-News
POSTED: 11/24/16, 8:26 PM PST | UPDATED: ON 11/25/2016 0 COMMENTS
PASADENA >> Full from her Thanksgiving meal in Central Park, Gina Quiroz was chatting with all the strangers around her.
Despite being in poor health, Quiroz made her way from the room she rents in South Central Los Angeles to Pasadena so she could spend the holiday surrounded by people.
“I spend a lot of time in parks, and it’s nice to have a nice meal in a safe park like this one,” Quiroz said.
Quiroz was one of about 2,000 people who were treated to a free traditional Thanksgiving meal at Union Station Homeless Services’ 46th annual Dinner in the Park.
While Union Station typically feeds about 100,000 people every year across its facilities in the Pasadena area, the Thanksgiving event draws the most people at one time, said Dana Bean, Union Station’s director of development. The lunchtime event is so big that it brings together about 800 volunteers to help serve food, clear dishes and provide information about services, Bean said.
“Our efforts year-round wouldn’t be possible without everyone’s help, but on this day every year it’s so visceral to see everyone serving all at once,” Bean said. “It makes everyone proud to be a part of it.”
Sam Narvell had been looking to start volunteering, and a friend recruited him for the Dinner in the Park. The midcity Los Angeles resident said he’d like to bring his girlfriend and her two children next year.
“It’s definitely a more productive use of my day instead of watching TV and eating all day,” Narvell said with a laugh. “It’s been really nice because everyone is so appreciative.”
In addition to all of the help from volunteers, about 200 turkeys were donated by local grocery stores, canned goods were donated via an online drive and Union Station received donations from HomeStreet Bank, Goldstar Events and the Nakao Foundation. In addition, Centerplate, the food and beverage provider for the Pasadena Convention Center and Civic Auditorium, cooked all of the turkeys.
However, one area that Union Station could use more help in is finding affordable housing for those who receive services, Bean said.
The city of Los Angeles earlier this month passed Measure HHH, a $1.2 billion bond measure that will help fund homeless services and the creation of about 13,000 housing units.
Pasadena could benefit from a similar measure, Bean said. Some of Union Station’s clients have housing vouchers in hand but can’t find anywhere to use them, she said.
“A local measure to support the building of more housing, especially affordable housing, is something we vitally need,” Bean said.
Quiroz didn’t know about Union Station’s services until Thursday’s event, but she said she would speak to staff members because her housing situation wasn’t ideal.
“It’s just a little space in a house, but it’s only $300 per month,” Quiroz said. “I hope there’s something better out there, but I don’t know.”
Pasadena Volunteers Are The Lifeline For Feeding the Homeless this Holiday Season
So many Pasadenans volunteered to help serve the less fortunate at the 46th annual “Dinner in the Park” this Thanksgiving Thursday in Old Pasadena that Union Station Homeless Services’ website crashed.
With that outpouring of giving back, said Union Station’s Director of Volunteer and Community Programs Stephanie Harris, the volunteer count reached maximum capacity with an impressive count of over 600 community volunteers willing to spend their holiday helping others.
“Dinner in the Park” is the Union Station’s city’s longstanding holiday food drive that doesn’t just accept food donations — it provides home-style traditional holiday hot meals for the local homeless population on Thanksgiving in Central Park, and again on Christmas in the Union Station Adult Center.
This year’s event is expected to feed over 2,000 people, which requires substantial volunteer manpower to ensure smooth sailing.
“The event has really come to be a well-oiled machine. It’s a healthy mix of new and returning volunteers who are really the backbone for making this event as successful as its been for the last 46 years,” said Harris. “People are still calling asking to volunteer.”
The army of volunteers have pre assigned roles and shifts that include manning stations in areas of set up, serving in the buffet line, managing food drop off areas and much more.
“It’s the great equalizer. We all want to be somewhere where we feel that someone cares about us and we are apart of bigger community. this is a way to do it. we are all in this together. to me that’s what humanity is all about, and being a good member of our community,” said Union Station CEO John Brauer.
According to Harris, the majority of the food for the event was donated by the community, which totals as much as $10,000 worth of meals for the homeless.
“The fact that people come and donate canned goods and [other] things lto supplement this event is an unimaginable act of generosity,” said Harris.
Pasadena Center Operating Company Executive Chef Arnold Preciado is helping Union Station and volunteers prep and cook 200 turkeys for a gourmet Thanksgiving experience.
“This is another example of the extraordinary community support system that exists in here. The tradition of giving is something that the people in Pasadena integrate into their life,” said Harris.
You can still participate, Harris said, even though the volunteer ranks are full.
Union Station is still accepting food donations of pre-packaged and store-bought items only. Other requested donation items include bottled water, bagged salad, instant mashed potatoes, pot holders and kitchen towels, according to Harris.
Former Union Station CEO Rabbi Marv Gross and Mayor Terry Tornek will be in attendance.
“This event is special because it is a moment for people who are experiencing poverty to be treated like royalty. Even if we can only give back to them for one day, it’s an opportunity for them to feel honored and special and to hopefully they can learn about the resources we offer,” said Harris.
“Dinner in the Park” kicks off on Thanksgiving Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Central Park located at 275 South Raymond Ave. Food will be distributed on the corner of Del Mar and Fair Oaks.
Store bought pies are welcome and can be delivered to 412 S. Raymond Ave before the event or may be dropped off at Central Park on Thanksgiving morning (drop off area is on the southern parking strip of Fair Oaks just north of Del Mar Blvd.)
Everyone contributed to make this an extraordinary event.
By Stephanie Chase
On Sunday, April 3, Masters of Taste made its inaugural debut on the field of the Pasadena Rose Bowl. It was an amazing event, with delicious food and drink, and all for a great cause.
Masters of Taste brought together L.A.’s Top Master Tastemakers for one afternoon to celebrate all realms of taste. Approximately 2,000 influential food and beverage enthusiasts from throughout the Greater Los Angeles attended, created, concocted, and volunteered at this exciting festival.
The beneficiary of Masters of Taste was Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Headquartered in Pasadena, the agency is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency, assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families with services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management, and career development. Since 1973, Union Station Homeless Services has helped thousands of people who were once homeless and without hope. A full one hundred percent of the proceeds from this year’s event went directly to support Union Station Homeless Services.
The Masters of Taste 2016 included the finest fare from L.A.’s top Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s most notable Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from over 25 Beverage Masters, as well as live entertainment and more.
The Masters of Taste 2016 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants (restaurants are underlined) included 118 Degrees, Chef Jenny Ross (Tarzana); Alexander’s Steakhouse, Chef Matt Bata (Pasadena); Ayara Thai, Chef Vanda Asapahu (Westchester); BierBeisl, Chef Bernhard Mairinger (Downtown Los Angeles); Birch, Chef Brendan Collins (Hollywood); Celestino, Chef Calogero Drago (Pasadena); Claud Beltran & Co and Bacchus Kitchen & Eatery, Chef Claud Beltran (Pasadena); Crossings, Chef Lalo Sanchez (South Pasadena); HACHÉ LA, Chef Michael “Mick” Schepers (Silver Lake).
Additionally, Hamasaku, Chef Yoya Takahashi (Los Angeles); Hyde, Chef Chris Crary (Hollywood); Inotheke, Chef and owner Carolos Tomazos (Santa Monica); Made in Brooklyn, Chef Sean Popock (Los Angeles); Magnolia House, Chef Evan Colter (Pasadena); Noor, Chef Ryan Morrison (Pasadena); Osawa, Chef Shigefumi Tachibe (Pasadena); Ozu East Kitchen, Chef Paul Yi (Atwater Village); Redbird, Chef Neal Fraser (Downtown Los Angeles); Sangers & Joe, Chef Eduardo Pineda (Pasadena); Say Cheese, Chef Glenn Harrell (Silver Lake); SOL Cocina, Chef Tia Baker (Playa Vista); Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern, Chef Isaias Peña (Los Angeles); The Perfect Bite Co., Chef Teri Valentine (Glendale); The Raymond 1886, Chef Tim Guiltinan (Pasadena); Toca Madera, Chef Raymond Alvarez (Los Angeles); WAFL Truck, Chef Ozan Cay (Los Angeles); Wax Paper, Chef Peter Lemos (Elysian Valley); and Wood & Vine, Chef Kyle Schutte (Hollywood).
The sweets were amazing. Masters of Taste participating sweet masters included handcrafted buttery toffees from Alique Gourmet Toffee, delicious desserts from Butter Cake Shoppe, gourmet single-origin chocolate and vanilla ice creams from Choctal, cacao from Chocolate Stars USA, Danish pastries from Copenhagen Pastry, and Filipino inspired custards and confections from Crème Caramel. Helados Pops Ice Cream served their homemade ice creams and sorbets, Kelley’s Kookies presented their gourmet cookies, and Sprinkles Cupcake Bakery generously served their irresistible famous cupcakes.
There were a host of delicious beverages as well, from craft beers to fine wines, and some of the best coffee ever. This year’s participating beverage masters included Alosta Brewing Co., Bootlegger’s Brewery, Iron Triangle Brewing, Indie Brewing Company, and Golden Road Brewing. Other fine breweries included in this year’s event were Elysian Brewing from Seattle, the famous Goose Island Beer Co. from Chicago, Northwestern favorite 10 Barrel Brewing Co., Missouri’s Shock Top, the Caboinspired Baja Brewing Company, and internationally acclaimed brewmaster Stella Artois.
A specially curated collection of Wine Masters included Alexander Valley Vineyards from Healdsburg, Paso Robles’ Anglim Winery and premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, Ventura’s Four Brix Winery, along with Napa’s Sequoia Grove, Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, and Toluca Lake’s Spin The Bottle Wine Studio. Ste. Michelle Estates featured various special selections including 14 Hands Winery, ANEW Riesling, Chateau Set. Michelle Winery, Michelle Sparkling and MOTTO Wines. Golden State Wine Company showcased wines from Abadia Retuerta, Loring Wine Company, and Viña Alberdi. Others included Lodi’s Van Ruiten Family Vineyards, Thousand Oaks’ Vinemark Cellars, and San Antonio Winery presented tastes from Stella Rosa, Bodega Sangria, Diama Sparkle, and a new sparkling Prosecco.
Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars also volunteered to create first-rate craft cocktails. A premium barrelaged cocktail bar was provided by Erik Lund and Alexander’s Steakhouse, signature handcrafted cocktails from Head Barman Peter Lloyd-Jones and 1886 Bar, special spiked breakfast cereal cocktails from Nighthawk’s Giovanni Martinez, and handcrafted DesMaDre tequila cocktails prepared by Beverage Director Colin Pflugradt of the newly opened SOL Cocina in Playa Vista. Mixologist and sommelier Adam Seger introduced the newly launched Balsam Luxury Vermouth, while Hooch, the private membersonly cocktail app, hosted a Snow Leopard cocktail bar. As if that wasn’t enough, there were additional cocktails throughout the event from Brugal Rum and Kikori Whiskey.
There were also a large number of premium non-alcoholic beverages on hand for those who wished to hydrate, caffeinate, or regenerate. The“bevolutionary” Bai presented their antioxidant juices, teas and water infusions, while Demitasse in Hollywood served their in-house-roasted, ethically sourced, coffee, which included a delicious Kyoto iced coffee as well as an espresso and a blood orange cappuccino. Kombucha Dog was on hand with their delicious healthy and raw drinks, Diabolo presented an energizing sparkling beverage, and Nekter Juice Bar brought fresh, cold-pressed juices. Finally, there was a generous supply of ZICO Coconut Water, and Boxed Water was available throughout.
In addition to all the generous volunteer chefs, restaurants, and brewmasters, Masters of Taste was made possible through the support of corporate sponsors including HomeStreet Bank, Judith L. Chiara Foundation, Western Asset Management, Capital Group, TD Investment Company, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Bank of America, The High End, Wells Fargo, Westport Construction, Kauffman Wealth Management, Citizens Business Bank, Tsan Tsung Memorial Foundation, Massage Envy, Hahn & Hahn LLP, Arroyo Insurance Services, Individual Food Service, Laemmle Theaters, Lenox Advisors Inc., California Linen Services, Yelp, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily News, and Pasadena Star-News.
This was an incredible event in every possible way, and most certainly should not be missed next year.
Stephanie Chase is a food and travel writer for a variety of publications, including the Epoch Times and the Santa Monica Star. She is also a contributor to the food and travel website, thetop9.com.
In a ceremony in Sacramento, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit that has served the Pasadena and greater San Gabriel Valley community since 1973, as “Non-Profit of the Year” for the 41st Assembly District.
“I am very pleased to recognize Union Station Homeless Services for the outstanding and commendable service provided by their staff and volunteers.” said Assemblymember Holden. “These committed individuals have taken it upon themselves to combat the growing dangers and realities of poverty, and I commend them for the work that they do for our community.”
Dana Bean and Alan Maltun accepted the award on behalf of Union Station Homeless Services during the inaugural California Non-Profit day ceremony hosted by the California Association of Non-Profits.
With over 40 years of experience, Union Station Homeless Services offers a full continuum of nine programs throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Their services include street outreach, intake/assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, employment development, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services.
With their participation in new countywide programs such as the Coordinated Entry System and Homeless Families Solutions System, Union Station has expanded their intake services from Pasadena to the entire San Gabriel Valley. These new programs help them identify and rapidly house the most vulnerable members of the community.
Bank of the West has been located in a beautiful historic building at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Madison in Pasadena for decades. Last week, the Wealth Management Group celebrated the official grand opening of its new center to service its high net worth clients. The Pasadena facility is the latest in nine Wealth Management Centers to service its affluent clients in the western United States. Leading the celebration were the bank’s senior officers Pierre Ramadier, senior executive vice president; Mary Borg, executive vice president; Edward Mora, senior vice president; Jack Keleshian, senior vice president, market lead and manager of the new Pasadena Wealth Center. Bank of the West took this opportunity to present Union Station Homeless Services with a grant of $7,500 to help with their continued fight against homelessness. Marv Gross, CEO, and Dana Bean, director of development, were in attendance to accept the award.
Story and Photography by BRANDON VILLALOVOS
4:49 am | May 6, 2016
Thursday’s Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast was a morning filled with a healthy dose of positivity and togetherness while highlighting Pasadena’s dedication to community service.
Put on by the longstanding community non-profit organization Friends In Deed, the first interfaith breakfast of Mayor Tornek’s term was greeted with hungry residents, community leaders and various organizations that comprise the tireless efforts of the city’s mission to help ones in need.
This year’s keynote speaker was Chief Executive Officer of Union Station Homeless Services, Rabbi Marvin Gross, who delivered a powerful speech filled with telling lessons of love and compassion and reminders that we are all united at the end of the day.
“Giving to others is embedded in our DNA. It’s a characteristic of who we are. Serving others and working for a common good is something we are capable of,” said Gross.
Gross has become a prominent figure in Pasadena over the past few decades by dedicating his life to a selfless journey of homelessness prevention and outreach programs through the Union Station Homeless Services non-profit which provides resources and programs to homeless families and individuals in need.
Gross will be retiring in June after 21 years of service.
“From what I’ve seen at Union Station, engagement with such issues makes an impact on volunteers that last a lifetime. By engaging in community service, we are able to live out our highest, greatest and most noble values,” explained Gross.
Mayor Terry Tornek presented Gross with an award that recognizes Gross’s longstanding dedication to Pasadena and issues of homelessness.
“During his tenure, Union Station has made a focus not just on individuals, but also on families. His compassion and wisdom has enabled Union Station to help thousands of people improve their lives and live their lives with dignity,” said Tornek.
Gross’s speech was followed by a cheerful performance from the Pasadena High School’s Vox Vita Choir and Cantor Ruth Berman Harris of the Pasadena Jewish Temple providing a gentle song on the acoustic guitar.
The room was quickly filled with a wall of hundreds of voices joining together and singing along to the prayer songs in unision.
In addition to the guests leaving the breakfast with a full stomach, they also left with an inspirational mindset and a powerful reminder of each and every person’s importance within the community, in which Rabbi Marvin Gross was sure to spread this notion to everyone who attended.
“I feel that folks should give to their community regardless of how much they have received. Giving should be an early, original, primary action itself, not one that follows only after a period of receiving,” said Gross.
Until next year, the 43rd Annual Mayoral Interfaith Breakfast was a gathering that shined a light on the positive forces of Pasadena.
