UMe Credit Union’s Steve Mozo and Albert Hernandez, who serves as the executive director of Family Promise, thanked each supporter who participated in Sunday’s event. Family Promise board member Dan Soderstrom presented state Sen. Anthony Portantino with a swag bag in thanks for his support. Burbank Vice Mayor Bob Frutos and his wife, Laura, were among those who supported Family Promise at Sunday’s fundraiser. Family Promise board Vice President Jessa Freemyer and President Kathy Sessinghaus greeted close to 200 supporters at last week’s event. Every supporter received a take-away container of chili or tortilla soup provided by Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar Express at Hollywood Burbank Airport. This year’s Empty Bowl co-chairs Christine Rumfola and Jane Winter began working on ways to make last week’s event a reality last summer.
Although a soup line is traditionally for those in need, this past Sunday the tables were turned as those who lined up in their cars for a bowl of soup at Burbank’s UMe Credit Union were those fulfilling a need.
The soup-securing succession was staged in lieu of Family Promise of the Verdugo’s annual Empty Bowl event in which supporters of the nonprofit agency select a hand-crafted artisan ceramic bowl and local restaurants team-up to provide a signature soup for a sit-down luncheon.
Close to 200 supporters of the organization, which provides assistance, safe shelter and meals to homeless children and their families, pulled into UMe’s parking lot to receive a take-away container of Guy Fieri’s Kitchen and Bar Express’ chili or tortilla soup. This arrangement was made possible by Steve Mora, president of Metropolitan Culinary Services, who serves as the prime food and beverage provider at Hollywood Burbank Airport.