Celebrity chefs and Hollywood stars gathered at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel on Oct. 16 for the inaugural Angel Awards: Signature Chef Gala, raising more than $438,000 to combat family homelessness in Los Angeles.
The event, hosted by entertainer Chris Mann, brought together culinary luminaries and celebrities for an evening benefiting Upward Bound House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending family homelessness through housing and supportive services.
"This event proved that when culinary artistry meets humanity, the impact is boundless," said Alexis Bodkin-Glassman, chief development officer of Upward Bound House. "We're redefining what it means to give back in Los Angeles — one plate, one story, and one family at a time."
The star-studded guest list included actress Catherine O'Hara, publicists Joy Limanon and Paul Feinstein, and an impressive lineup of acclaimed chefs. James Beard Award winner Jon Yao of Kato participated alongside Jordan Kahn of Vespertine, Casey Lane, Dave Beran, Neal Fraser, Susan Feniger, Elijah Deleon, Jack Goode, Vanessa and Thomas Kalb, and Jōb Carder. Clémence De Lutz provided desserts for the evening.
The gala honored the founders of the Rustic Canyon Family while celebrating excellence in cuisine and charitable action. Guests experienced an immersive tasting journey paired with Griffo Spirits cocktails and California wines, culminating in a live auction that helped drive fundraising totals.
The Angel Awards emerged from Upward Bound House's belief that food can unite communities and heal lives, much like the organization's mission to end family homelessness. The connection became tangible through UBH's recently launched Urban Farm in Santa Monica, where families in the program harvest fresh produce, learn healthy cooking practices, and gather for meals.
"The culinary world has an extraordinary way of connecting hearts," Bodkin-Glassman said. "Our Urban Farm shows us every day how food can nurture not only bodies but also hope and belonging. The Angel Awards grew from that same spirit — celebrating the chefs and community members who help our families reclaim stability, dignity, and home."
Funds raised will directly support UBH's housing and supportive services that help families transition from homelessness to independence. Money will also sustain the Urban Farm, which provides nutritious food access, hands-on learning opportunities, and community gatherings led by chef partners.
Upward Bound House operates 11 shelter sites across Los Angeles and runs innovative programs, including the Urban Farm and Children's Wellness Initiative. The organization helps families rebuild their lives through what officials describe as dignity, stability, and hope.
Community members interested in supporting the mission can volunteer at the Urban Farm, participate in the Adopt-a-Unit program that helps furnish homes, or become monthly donors. Businesses can engage through corporate volunteer days, event sponsorships, or in-kind donations.
"Ending family homelessness requires all of us," Bodkin-Glassman said. "Whether you're a chef donating your craft, a business lending your resources, or a neighbor volunteering your time, every act of generosity helps a child in Los Angeles find their way home."
The inaugural gala established Upward Bound House as a rising leader at the intersection of food, philanthropy, and social impact, uniting Los Angeles' influential chefs and supporters around a shared mission to disrupt family homelessness and build a more compassionate city.
The success of the first Angel Awards suggests the event could become an annual fixture in Los Angeles' philanthropic calendar, combining the city's renowned culinary scene with urgent social needs affecting vulnerable families throughout the region.