Open Heart Kitchen, a nonprofit focused on food assistance and other essential services for residents in need in the Tri-Valley, is gearing up for one of its major annual fundraising events — having already hit a milestone at a crucial time in the year for the organization.
OHK’s upcoming Heart of the Tri-Valley Gala, which will benefit its new shelter and food bank programs, officially sold out on ticket sales in recent days; although, officials noted people can still contribute toward the fundraiser via the silent auction that will remain active online now through the gala date in early September.
“Our work comes down to standing in the gap between what our neighbors have and what they need the most — reliable and nutritious food, shelter and support services to take the next steps in their life,” Executive Director John Bost said in a press release before the sell-out. “We do this by making good on our promise to provide more accessible food resources to the Tri-Valley and creating an efficient and effective support system for those experiencing crisis and homelessness.”
“Our latest commitments to this promise are the launch of Open Heart Food Bank, the first-ever large scale food redistribution facility in East Alameda County, and an increase in staffing support at the Vineyard Resource Center to meet the growing numbers of people accessing the facility,” Bost added.Planned with an “Alice in Wonderland” theme, including a Cheshire Cat, music and Queen of Hearts’ garden entrance, the Heart of the Tri-Valley Gala is set for the evening of Sept. 6 at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton. For more information on the silent auction, visit www.openheartkitchen.org/gala.
