The spotlight was on El Nido's newly launched "Garden to Table" program that provides training and mentorship with the culinary industry through urban gardening, cooking and restaurant management. Youth assisted in cooking demonstrations on the tennis court with leading LA chefs who have been mentoring them. Chefs and restaurants who donated their time and mentorship, and presented cooking demonstrations at the event (in alphabetical order): Hannah An, founder & executive chef, The District by Hannah An; Betty Fraser and Denise DeCarlo, co-owners, Grub Restaurant; Ryan Legaux, owner & executive chef, Harold & Belle's; Nabor Prado-Diaz, chef de cuisine, Hugo's; and Jimmy Shaw, owner and executive chef, Loteria Grill. James Beard Award winner and Los Angeles magazine editor Lesley Bargar Suter hosted the demonstrations. Along with the cooking demos, students in the GRYD (Gang Reduction Youth Development) program also exhibited their photography. 

As the twinkle lights came on as the sun was setting over the hills, guests made their way to a luscious dinner under the stars on the expansive Great Lawn. Exemplar Award winner Gina Rodriguez (star of "Jane the Virgin") brought the evening's program to a high point with her inspirational words, explaining her dedication to helping and uplifting (especially) Latina young women by only being involved in projects that positively portray Latinas. Looking to inspire the next generation, Gina gave her award to Sireni Galindo, a former El Nido client, who was also honored at the Garden Gala for her accomplishments, and who had presented the Exemplar Award to Gina. There truly was not a dry eye in the house. Read More

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