Alex Thomas and Union Station CEO Katie Hill at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson and Susan Hirasuna at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Agnes Chefs Vanessa Tilaka Kalb and Thomas Kalb at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Joe Lumarda, Corinna Lumarda, and Koko Archibong at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Courtney Vasquez, Santo Riccobono, Nick Mosaquites, and Rachel Duarte at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Juliana Capa and Itohan Oyamendan at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Prashanth Pandian, Jai Sandhu, Priyanka Agarwal, and Jonathan Tan at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Dan Bradshaw and Veronica Nunez at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Arnie Siegal, Mark Ramsey, and Jim Hart at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Evan Seibey and Michele Melendez at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Arnetta Love, Darlene Hampton, and Dominick Correy at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Kurt Brabbee, Kristin Leachman, Tina Hart, Clare Cohen, and Matthew Labyorteaux at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Matt Roberts, Martin Stefen, and Theary Stefen at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Ray Ruffin and Michelle Dass at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Manuel Suero and Joseph Sanchez at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Johnnie Garcia Ross, Kinsey Thompson, Vicki Thompson, and David Thompson at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Ellen McDonald and Jim Walter at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Mark Gunn, Jennifer Gunn, Chris Gialanella, and Andrea Gialanella at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
John Shofei, Kim Shofei, Rhea Corona, Jack Reynolds, Susan Reynolds, Christine Meissenburg, Jim Griffin, and Chris Wayne at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Sierra Mansfield, Nate Jessup, Shirley Gentiluomo, and Jeremy Brown at Union Station Homeless Services Generous Plates at the Rose Bowl [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Deep in the confines, and under the seats of the historic Rose Bowl Stadium Sunday evening, Union Station Homeless Services hosted a powerful reimagining of its signature spring fundraiser called, “Generous Plates.”
The one-night-only culinary event brought together donors, chefs and advocates for an intimate experience replacing the usual field-based “Masters of Taste” gathering — all with one goal: to raise $250,000 for housing support programs in the wake of devastating local wildfires.
As guests dined on chef-prepared dishes near the Rose Bowl’s history-rich fields, Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) CEO Katie Hill spoke candidly about the critical need for resources.
“We’re focusing on the positive,” Hill said. “Right now, there are families — mothers, fathers, children — who are sleeping in cars, bouncing between motels, or doubled up in homes because they lost everything in the fires.”
The night, which was hosted by Susan Hirisuna, longtime FOX 11 anchor and reporter, also marked the official launch of Union Station’s Eaton Fire Housing Assistance Program, a rapid-response initiative providing flexible financial aid to families impacted by recent wildfires. Hill emphasized that funds raised would help cover everything from rent deposits to emergency shelter, describing the program as “more than just a program — it’s our promise.”
But the stakes are high, she said. “While the need is rising, federal and state funding is shrinking,” Hill added. “The only way we can move from good intentions to real impact is your support.”
The vibe was celebratory, but carried the weight of purpose. USHS Director of Advocacy Shawn Morrissey took the stage with a deeply personal reflection, recounting his own path through childhood trauma, abuse, and ultimately, homelessness.
“People with safety nets hardly ever experience homelessness,” Morrissey said. “What Union Station offered me was instant connection and instant community — and that’s when I began to heal.”
Morrissey’s message underscored the human-centered model that Union Station champions — one based on trust, empathy, and the understanding that those experiencing homelessness are not strangers, but neighbors in crisis.
“Sometimes it appears that nothing is happening, that this problem just continues to get worse,” Morrissey said. “But in the past five years, Union Station has housed over 160,000 people. These relational models work — we have a 97% retention rate.”
The entire evening, held in adjoining locker rooms, highlighted some of LA and Pasadena’s favorite dining spots, including Agnes Cheesery, which will host next year’s event; Wife and the Sommelier, Good Alley, Ayara Thai, and Poppy and Seed in the “Foothill” dining room, along with Pez Coastal Kitchen, SetteCento Ristorante, Uchi, STK Steakhouse, and Bone Kettle in the “Arroyo” Dining Room.
Beers and wines were provided by ALl season Brewing Company, San Simeon Wines, City Club, Bacari, and El Pueblo Cerveceria, among others.
Sunday’s sold-out “Generous Plates” event was equal parts dining experience and call to action. QR codes on each table directed guests to make donations, and Hill closed her speech with a heartfelt appeal.
“If you’ve already given, please consider giving again,” she urged. “If you’ve been moved by anything you’ve heard tonight, this is the moment to act.”
With champagne glasses clinking and heartfelt applause filling the locker rooms, the evening marked more than just a fundraiser — it was a community standing together as it has many times since the Eaton Fire, hopeful and determined not to let anyone fall through the cracks.
For more information on Union Station Homeless Services visit www.ushs.org or call (626) 240-4550.
