Are you looking to get involved in a great organization that helps people in communities right here in Orange County? Being invited to a Winemaker Dinner with good food and wine is a wonderful thing. But its downright inspiring when that dinner benefits an organization like Housing with HEART and HOMES, Inc. which literally lifts people out of the depths of despair and gives them the tools they need to lift them up and give them quality of life. Housing with HEART realizes the vital link between housing and resident services for people with special needs, seniors, adults recovering from mental illness, emancipated youth and families who have experienced homelessness; and I was thrilled to meet the people, staff and donors, responsible for turning around the lives of so many in Northern and Southern California.
The Jamboree Housing Corporation’s Winemaker Dinner and Auction brought Art and Dining together at venerable Bistango in Irvine and showcased the wines of Jamieson Ranch Vineyards with a menu paired by their Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Brian Overhauser and Bistango’s Executive Chef Javier Montoya.
I had a photo op with (from L to R) Bill Leigon, President, Jamieson Ranch Vineyards | Laura Archuleta, President, Jamboree Housing Corporation and Brian Overhauser, Director of Culinary Operations , Jamieson Ranch Vineyards.
Among the delicacies that Bistango prepared was a Prime Strip Loin Tartare with Horseradish Cream Sauce paired with 2011 Reata Napa Valley Merlot; a choice of Peppered Grilled Ribeye Medallion with wilted kale, onion marmalade, Cabrales Picon cheese complemented with a 2011 Reata Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select or Mushroom Crusted Alaskan Halibut, asparagus, truffle essence and porcini mushroom sauce paired with 2011 Reata Napa/Sonoma Pinot Noir. Dessert was a scrumptious Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Trifle and a 2011 Reata “Aurelius” California White Blend. Guests savored and discovered how wine pairings bring out the best in both the food and the wine.
Just as with wine pairings, Jamboree’s President Laura Archuleta described how important it is to pair the right components together, whether it is a match of public funds with private equity, the combination of affordable housing with responsive onsite resident services or the fusion of function and design in the homes we build, the right elements properly paired not only work well but also complement one another to create strong communities.
Participation in the evening’s festivities help Jamboree to expand the influence and benefits of their services to families and seniors through Housing with HEART and to those with special needs through HOMES at many of their properties. generous corporate and private donor support translates into 80,000 pounds of food distributed to seniors, nearly 1,000 residents participating in Jam!boree Day, more than 100 residents living with mental illness enjoying summer camp, resident participation in 7,600 hours of fitness programs and 110,000 healthy snacks served to children in our after-school programs.
You can help Jamboree build strong communities throughout California by volunteering at Jam!boree Day on October 12th. Not only will it be a deeply satisfying experience to know that you are helping others but in the process you will learn more about Jamboree and see how their resident services change the lives of thousands of residents who call a Jamboree property “home”.
Photo credit: Juan Tallo
Do you ever tire of your ‘job’…cuz if you need a break, holler, and I’ll fill in!! What fun and what a great cause!! 🙂
It was a delight to meet you, Priscilla, at the Winemaker Dinner. You captured the evening and Jamboree’s mission poignantly. I’m enjoying your heart-healthy ideas on your blog and Facebook. Thanks for your generosity of time and spirit!