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A Mother's Heart Changes Lives


SJC Rotarian Rick Topping with Sir Bruno Serato at Smart & Final.

It began with a mother's compassion and a child's empty stomach. In 2005, renowned restaurateur Bruno Serato and his mother Caterina visited Anaheim's Boys and Girls Club, steps away from his acclaimed Anaheim White House restaurant. There, they encountered a sight that would launch a movement: a hungry 6-year-old boy, dinner consisting only of potato chips.


"Make him pasta," Caterina insisted, in the way only Italian mothers can. That simple directive sparked a revolution of kindness that continues today.


The Recipe for Hope:

  • One Italian mother's wisdom

  • Endless pasta and sauce

  • A heart full of compassion

  • Thousands of children served


What started as one bowl of pasta has transformed into an extraordinary mission. Bruno Serato has now served over 10 million meals to hungry children, earning recognition as a CNN Hero, receiving the Pope's blessing, and being knighted by the Italian government.


Today, Caterina's Club serves more than 25,000 meals weekly across 100 locations in 30 Southern California cities. Each plate of pasta carries forward Caterina's simple message: "no child should go hungry."


Help Write the Next Chapter

This week's KFI PastaThon makes it easy to contribute. Visit any Smart & Final store to:

  • Purchase pasta and sauce for donation

  • Tell the cashier you're supporting the PastaThon

  • Round up your purchase to donate


One mother's compassion. One chef's dedication. Millions of lives changed. Join us in continuing this remarkable story.

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