Over $1.75M Raised for OC's Unhoused Families at Illumination Health + Home's Chef's Table Gala

Milestone event highlights a powerful model of care uniting housing, healthcare, and support services to transform lives

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A colorful, abstract grid of silkscreened kitchen items in neon hues, conceptually representing the energy and creativity of a charity gala focused on addressing homelessness.A vibrant celebration of community-driven solutions to homelessness, as seen through the lens of a high-energy culinary event.Irvine Today

Illumination Health + Home, a nonprofit organization in Orange County, California, hosted its annual Chef's Table: An Epicurean Experience gala on March 22, 2026, raising over $1.75 million to support its programs that provide housing, healthcare, and critical support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the region.

Why it matters

Illumination's integrated model of care, which brings together housing, healthcare, and support services, is seen as a powerful approach to addressing the complex issue of homelessness. The success of the gala highlights the community's commitment to supporting this innovative solution and creating pathways to stability, dignity, and long-term well-being for the area's most vulnerable residents.

The details

The gala welcomed 431 guests and featured eight of Southern California's most celebrated chefs, a Hell's Kitchen champion, and a special performance by LIVE 61. Funds raised will directly support Illumination's programs, including healthcare and access to housing services, as well as case management and comprehensive wraparound services that empower individuals and families to rebuild their lives.

  • The annual Chef's Table: An Epicurean Experience gala was held on March 22, 2026.
  • Illumination Health + Home has been redefining care for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Orange County.

The players

Illumination Health + Home

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides targeted, interdisciplinary services for the most vulnerable homeless adults and children to disrupt the cycle of homelessness.

Dr. Pooja Bhalla

The CEO of Illumination Health + Home.

Karen Jordan

The Board Member and Development Committee Chair who chaired the 2026 Chef's Table gala.

Chef Kori Sutton

The private chef and winner of Hell's Kitchen who curated the multi-course dinner for the gala.

The Bera Family

The family that was honored for their multigenerational commitment to education, healthcare access, and community advancement.

UniHealth Foundation

The longtime leader in advancing population health and strengthening the healthcare workforce that was recognized for its continued investment in expanding care for underserved communities.

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What they’re saying

“Chef's Table is a powerful reflection of what happens when compassion meets action. Because of our community's generosity, we can continue supporting access to housing, healthcare, and the critical support families need to heal, grow, and thrive. Together, we are creating lasting change and restoring hope.”

— Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of Illumination Health + Home

“Food has the power to bring people together, but tonight showed how it can also drive meaningful change. In a community facing real challenges around homelessness, it is inspiring to see people come together to support an organization that is creating real solutions every day. It is an honor to be part of something that truly makes an impact.”

— Chef Kori Sutton, Private chef and winner of Hell's Kitchen

What’s next

Illumination Health + Home plans to use the funds raised at the gala to continue expanding its integrated model of care, which provides housing, healthcare, and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Orange County.

The takeaway

Illumination Health + Home's successful gala highlights the power of community-driven solutions to address the complex issue of homelessness. By bringing together housing, healthcare, and critical support services, the organization is creating lasting change and restoring hope for the region's most vulnerable residents.