On October 16, Roque & Mark was proud to stand with our Santa Monica community at the inaugural Angel Awards Signature Chef Gala, hosted by Upward Bound House (UBH). The event was an incredible success, raising over $450,000 to support families experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
Held at the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, the evening celebrated the donors, volunteers, and partners who make UBH’s mission possible. Guests enjoyed world-class dishes from celebrated chefs including Susan Feniger, Dave Beran, Neal Fraser, and others who brought their culinary artistry to the cause. The gala not only brought together top talent from the food world but also showcased the power of community and compassion in action.
Roque & Mark was honored to support the event’s fundraising auction and to contribute in an ongoing way through our Urban Farm partnership. Roque & Mark has donated use of the land for the UBH Urban Farm, where families grow fresh produce, share nutritious meals, and build skills that nurture both body and spirit. For the children living at UBH, it’s also a place to play, learn, and discover how life grows from the ground up.
The evening was filled with inspiring moments, including a moving speech by Samantha, a graduate of the Upward Bound House program. A single mother from Georgia, Samantha shared how UBH gave her a safe home, supportive counseling, and the chance to train for a career in medical testing. Today, she and her daughter are thriving in their own apartment, a powerful reminder of what stability and opportunity can do.
Community pillars who have been part of UBH’s story from the beginning were among the honorees. Notably, Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan, owners of the Rustic Canyon Family Restaurants, helped launch UBH’s food-growing program. Also recognized was a long-time local volunteer whose generosity made possible the 12th Street property that now provides housing for families in transition.Their stories brought tears, standing ovations, and deep gratitude from everyone present.
As our Co-President Zina Markevicius shared that night, “We want the whole community of Santa Monica to get behind Upward Bound House. This is our home, and we want all families here to have a safe place to live.”
This gala was not the finish line; it was the beginning of something bigger. With new partners, fresh energy, and a shared commitment to change, Roque & Mark is proud to help UBH continue its mission to move families from crisis to possibility.