While many Orange Countians are well aware of the charitable work performed by Sir Bruno Serato for well over a decade, many might not know how his work has extended into the lives of African Americans. And for that, the humanitarian has been named community ambassador of the 39th Annual Black History Parade and Cultural Fair being held in Anaheim on Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend the festivities; for more information, visit www.oc-hc.org.
“I am overwhelmed with pride to participate in this year’s Black History Parade and Cultural Fair,” said Serato, whose nonprofit Caterina’s Club feeds some 5,000 children each day, finds permanent housing for underprivileged “motel” families and trains at-risk youth for careers in the hospitality field. “What many people don’t realize is that many of the kids we feed each day are, in fact, African American and we have a replicated our program to feed the hungry in Ethiopia.”
Added Orange County Heritage Council (OCHC) President Shedrick Collins, “We’re delighted that Sir Bruno has accepted our invitation to serve as community ambassador for this year’s event, which is intended to continue the traditions and culture of African Americans by honoring the achievements and contributions of black history.
“The primary goal of OCHC is to provide cultural awareness and promote historical contributions of black people in Orange County,” said Collins. “The Black History Parade and Cultural Fair is the perfect opportunity to create a synergy of education, leadership, cultural awareness, family unity, healthy lifestyle enrichment, entertainment, celebrities and food.”
Caterina’s Club serves pasta each night in 89 locations in Orange and LA counties with more than 2.9 million meals served to date. His influence has extended far beyond the local area to include Chicago, New York, Texas, Mexico and Italy. The nonprofit also has helped scores of mostly "motel families escape motel living in squalid conditions by securing safe, clean homes for them.
For his humanitarian work, Serato has earned international publicity including profiles in People Magazine, CBS, NBC, CNN as well as newspapers and magazines the world over. Among his many honors: CNN Hero, knighted by the Italian government, knighted by the House of Savoy, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, papal blessing from Pope Francis, humanitarian award on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, and numerous proclamations, Man of the Year awards and other forms of recognition -- all of which he accepts to generate public awareness of the needs of our most vulnerable population – our children. For more information, visit www.caterinasclub.org