ANNUAL CHEF’S TABLE GALA RAISES FUNDS AND REVEALS NEW BRAND IDENTITY: ILLUMINATION HEALTH + HOME

Illumination Health + Home Board of Directors at the 2025 Chef’s Table Sip, Savor and Sounds.

The Largest Provider of Family Emergency Beds in Orange County Raises Over $1.4 Million  in Vital Funds to Support its Mission of Disrupting the Cycle of Homelessness and Unveils Reimagined Brand

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 6, 2025 – Illumination Health + Home, formerly known as Illumination Foundation, an Orange County-based nonprofit committed to disrupting the cycle of homelessness and the largest provider of family emergency beds in Orange County, hosted its Annual Chef’s Table Sip, Savor and Sounds gala on April 6, 2025. Chaired by Board Member Karen Jordan, the evening brought together over 400 members in support of the organization’s mission and unveiling of the reimagination of its brand to Illumination Health + Home. The $1.4 million will be dedicated to providing home and health solutions for families facing homelessness in Orange County.

“Our reimagined brand identity brings to life the pathways we create for hosuing and healthcare sevices, emotional well-being and permanent housing,” said Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of Illumination Health + Home. “We hold steady to our vision that every individual should have an opportunity  of a ‘home’ in our communities, and we won’t stop working until that day comes.”

This year’s Chef’s Table gala was presented by the Bickerstaff Family Foundation.

“This evening honors key supporters who have made a monumental impact on the organization throughout the years and will continue to do so on its new path as Illumination Health + Home,” said Event Chair Karen Jordan.

The Shah Family was recognized for its dedication of the Shah Happiness Home to the organization in January 2024, a family emergency home in Orange County that serves children and families experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit also recognized actor John and wife Caitlin Stamos for their generous contributions and support. The couple has worked with Illumination to host events and activities for children and families, participated in a multitude of volunteer opportunities and much more.

As guests arrived at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, they were greeted in the Sequoia Ballroom Foyer with the seaside-inspired decor of sky blues, sunset oranges and yellows, and the light essence of beachy tropics. Welcomed with signature cocktails that included variations such as seabreeze and mai tai, guests were taken on a culinary journey that included various hors d’oeuvres that offered the unique styles of six of Orange County’s renowned culinary talents. The various appetizers prepared included a rich octopus, lamb shoulder and eggplant dolmades created by Chef Kevin Meyer, TGIS Catering; fresh seafood ceviche garnished with mango and coconut and stuffed pani puri with pureed carrot mole and cauliflower ceviche developed by Chef Rich Mead, Farmhouse and Chef Shachi Mehra, ADYA; a dry-aged tomahawk ribeye handroll complimented with crispy seaweed, spicy garlic sauce and sushi rice hand-rolled by Chef Peter Petro, Ten Sushi; jidori chicle bruschetta accompanied by braised beef potsticker and shrimp salad by Chef Magellan Moore, Mastro’s; and ahi poke with acocado-wasabi puree and spring pea soup with lemon crème fraiche by Chef David Martin, Pacific Club.  

Following the cocktail hour, guests were escorted to the Sequoia Ballroom where they experienced a multi-course masterpiece blending innovation, expertise and world-class flavors assembled by Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa executive culinary team including Marcel St. Pierre CEC, Executive Chef; Nubia Renteria, Executive Pastry Chef and Mhike Hugo, Banquet Chef. After dinner, attendees were treated to an exclusive performance by The Beach Boys who performed nostalgic hits including Good Vibrations, I Get Around and Barbara Ann. 

Illumination Health + Home was showcased as guests exited the Sequoia Ballroom following the rebrand announcement. The décor of the space was updated with the organization’s new branding including a refreshed step and repeat, signage and complimentary branded mints – bringing the brand to life for everyone to see.

“We look forward to leading our efforts in alignment with our four new pillars of Community, Action, Respect and Empowerment and are thrilled to enter a new season fueled by inspiration, drive, fresh energy and an undying passion to help those who need it most in our community,” continued Dr. Bhalla. “As Illumination Health + Home, we will continue to hold our belief in a world full of communities strengthened by opportunities, compassion, and full-circle care for individuals and families, and will power unprecedented change to serve the unhoused population.”

Chef’s Table Sip, Savor and Sounds was chaired by Karen Jordan.Sponsors included: Experian; Disneyland; US Bank; Golden Eagle Foundation; Marc Carlson and Jacqueline Dupont-Carlson; Karen Jordan; Greg Buchert / Howard Mirowitz; Frome Family Foundation; The Haynes Family; Kaiser Permanente; Jim and Laurie Allen; The Crean Foundation; Farmers and Merchants Bank; Fisher and Phillips; The Grover Family; Alison Hoeven / Sara Sullivan; KPMG; Prospera; Burton and Linda Young; Rick and Adrienne Matros; TGIS Catering and the Warren Family.