Celebrating 20 Years of Bruno Serato
Humanitarian Mission
In a world often distracted by headlines of division and despair, it is a rare and beautiful moment when we encounter someone whose life is devoted entirely to uplifting others. In this special July issue of The Eden Magazine, we are honored to feature the remarkable Bruno Serato, a man whose story reminds us of the boundless power of Love, perseverance, and service.
For two decades, Bruno Serato had made it his mission to feed the hearts and bellies of children in need through his nonprofit organization.
Read Our Magazine…
Caterina’s Club, named in honor of his beloved mother, Caterina. What began in 2005 as a simple act of kindness in the Anaheim White House Restaurant’s kitchen has blossomed into a movement that now serves over 5,000 warm meals every day to children living in underprivileged conditions. That’s more than 10 million meals served in the last 20 years, each one a testament to the compassion that fuels Bruno’s unwavering commitment.
Beyond feeding children, Caterina’s Club provides transitional housing for families and job training programs for at-risk youth, transforming lives with dignity and opportunity. Bruno’s tireless dedication has earned him global recognition, including being named a CNN Hero, receiving a knighthood from the Italian government, being knighted by the Italian Royal House of Savoia, receiving a Papal blessing from Pope Francis, and meeting world leaders whose work he has inspired. Yet, through it all, he remains humble, grounded, and devoted to his mother’s word, “Do something for those in need.”
In this deeply personal interview, Bruno shares the heart behind his mission, the challenges he’s faced along the way, and the hope that keeps him going every single day. His story is not only one of charity but of purpose and an invitation to all of us to lead with compassion and believe that one person can, indeed, make a world of difference.
Bruno, your foundation, Caterina’s Club, has transformed countless lives by feeding children in need and supporting low-income families. What inspired you to begin this incredible journey, and how has the mission evolved over the years?
My mother, Caterina, has been a powerful source of inspiration in my life. She reminded me of what it meant to grow up in poverty and face food insecurity. I remember how it felt to be in need, and how meaningful it was when others stepped in to help us. Those experiences taught me the importance of compassion, community, and the profound impact of even the smallest acts of generosity.
Your upcoming fundraising gala in October is highly anticipated. Can you share what guests can expect from the event and how the funds raised will help expand Caterina’s Club’s outreach?
Guests can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with joy, laughter, elegance, exceptional cuisine, and heartfelt moments. Every dollar raised directly supports our mission to combat child hunger and homelessness, helping us reach more children in need and create lasting change in their lives.
A few years ago, your beloved Anaheim White House restaurant was tragically destroyed by fire. What kept you going during that devastating time, and what was it like to rebuild from the ground up?
It was the children and my dedicated staff who kept me going. I was ready to give up—but when I thought of them, I knew I had to rebuild. I couldn’t let them down. It was one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever faced, but their faces—their futures—gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.
The process was a nightmare. Navigating insurance claims and meeting new city codes felt overwhelming. I was asked to provide receipts for the cost of rebuilding, but I didn’t even have the funds to begin the work—let alone gather the documentation they required. Complying with the new updated city codes was also a challenge. Everything in the restaurant had to be updated.
This year, you extended your support to the families in Altadena who were affected by the recent wildfires. What moved you to get involved, and how has Caterina’s Club been able to provide relief to these communities?
I lost my restaurant in a fire. In those first few months, it was the kindness of my customers and community that carried me through. When you witness the devastation of a fire—businesses and homes reduced to ashes—your first instinct is to help. I know firsthand what it feels like to lose everything. But I also know the power of receiving overwhelming Love and support in the aftermath. That experience forever changed me. Giving back isn’t a choice anymore—it’s second nature.
In moments of crisis—whether it’s a fire, a pandemic, or a natural disaster—you continue to show up for others. Where does that unwavering sense of purpose come from?
I’ve learned so much from the people in need. I often say—yes, there are bad people in the world, but there are also so many good ones. Sometimes, people aren’t making bad choices—they’re just stuck in difficult circumstances beyond their control. If I have the ability to help, I will always choose to help. It’s as simple as that.
You’ve received international recognition for your humanitarian efforts, including being named a CNN Hero.
How do accolades like that influence your work, if at all?
It comes from the heart. I never set out expecting to grow to where I am today, and I certainly never imagined receiving such incredible recognition. I’m truly grateful. These moments of acknowledgment inspire me to keep going—to do even more whenever I can. It’s not always easy or possible, but I always try.
Your mother, Caterina, has been a guiding force behind your work. What are the most important lessons she taught you that you still carry with you today? Kindness and Love – she never lacked either one and always went out of her way to help anyone in need. She said kindness doesn’t cost anything.
With so many children and families relying on the meals and support you provide, what are some of the biggest challenges Caterina’s Club faces today—and how can our readers help?
The tragedies that struck Southern California earlier this year have deeply impacted our fundraising efforts and overall funding. Despite the challenges, we haven’t stopped—we remain committed to doing everything we can to continue our mission of alleviating child hunger and homelessness.
Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful difference and is deeply appreciated.
We’re now preparing for our biggest fundraiser of the year—our Annual Gala. This event is critical, as it helps sustain the majority of our programs throughout the year. Your support during this time means more than ever.
You’ve said before that feeding people is your love language. What role does food play not just in your charity but in your personal life and identity?
To me, food and mom go hand in hand. They both bring comfort, warmth, and an undeniable sense of Love and togetherness. Food has a beautiful way of uniting people—whether it’s gathering around the dinner table, sharing stories, or simply enjoying a meal side by side.
My Love for food is rooted in those moments. It’s how I bring family together. For me, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a symbol of Love, connection, and home.
The rebuilding of the Anaheim White House was not just a reconstruction of a building but a symbol of resilience and Love. What does the restaurant represent to you today? The Anaheim White House has been the heart of Love for thousands of people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special moments. Every visit marks a meaningful occasion—a chance to create cherished memories with loved ones.
When the restaurant burned, I knew that if I didn’t rebuild it, the Love and memories it held would be lost. Moments shared with mothers, grandmothers, and children—generations of family and friends would have disappeared for many.
One of the first thoughts that came to my mind was: Evil will not prevail—Love will. That belief is what gave me the strength to fight so hard to bring it back.
You’ve dedicated your life to serving others. What do you do to recharge your own spirit? Are there personal passions or hobbies you make time for amidst your work?
There’s nothing more meaningful than spending time in Italy surrounded by family—my godchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles. These moments are filled with Love, laughter, and lasting memories.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave, not just through Caterina’s Club, but as Bruno Serato?
Just like my mom: kindness and Love, and the hope that those who come after me will pay it forward and keep the cycle going.
When you are not in the kitchen or supporting your foundation, what does a perfect day off look like for you?
Spending time with family and making memories. Love is what makes one happy and joyful.
You’ve traveled the world and met people from all walks of life. Is there a particular experience or encounter that deeply impacted you and changed your perspective?
Meeting the Pope and the Dalai Lama was a profound experience. When you encounter someone truly holy, you can see and feel their kindness and Love radiating through their energy—and that energy is truly contagious.
You’ve dedicated so much of your life to helping others- what’s one dream or goal you still have just for yourself?
My ultimate goal and dream is to reach heaven. I’ve been blessed to accomplish all my dreams in my life—except one: to see every Boys & Girls Club in America establish a Caterina’s Club program to feed every child in need. No child should ever go to bed hungry.
If you sit down for a quiet dinner with anyone, past or present, who would it be, and what would you cook for them?
My mom, because she gave me my soul, my life, and everything I ever needed. From the moment I was born, her Love was pure and unconditional. Nothing is more comforting to me.
Special Thanks to:
Bruno Serato
The Anaheim White House
Photography by Greg Gorman
Sir Bruno Serato has announced that Caterina’s Club 19th Annual Gala will be held on Sunday, October 20, at the Richard Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. A cocktail reception will commence at 5 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $350 each. Those unable to attend are encouraged to donate to Caterina’s Club, the nonprofit started by Sir
Bruno Serato in 2005, which feeds thousands of hungry children each night and has served over 11 million meals to date, as well as providing housing assistance for homeless families and training young people for careers in the hospitality field. For more information, call (657) 201-3278 or info@caterinasclub.org.
Comments