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AbilityFirst is a 501©3 nonprofit that provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential.

Nearly 400 guests attended and celebrated this year’s AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival on Sunday, June 5th, 2022, at the Historic Laurabelle A. Robinson House in Pasadena.

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The weather was glorious, and guests enjoyed delicious dishes and drinks from more than 25 top chefs, restaurants, cocktail bars, wineries, and breweries. Attendees enjoyed the ever-popular steak-on-a-stick from Alexander’s Steakhouse and sushi rolls from Mama M Sushi, as they sipped Krafted Spirits Rum, Dulce Vida Tequila, Greene & Greene Cocktails from The Raymond 1886, and specially select wines from Gerlach’s as they perused the many sought after silent auction items and explored the beautiful estate.

As the sun set, guests sat down for the program where AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival chair Steve Brockmeyer introduced Congresswoman Judy Chu who shared some of AbilityFirst’s milestones over the last year and presented a certificate of recognition to Chief Development Officer, Lauren Rayner.

The live auction and fund-a-need raised more than double its goal and the evening’s guest speaker, student Neftali Beltran from the AbilityFirst College to Career program received a standing ovation. The event raised over $215,000, for AbilityFirst programs serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. The event was presented by Chubb and additional sponsors included Bank of America, GHJ & Advisors, The Hartford, Longo Toyota-Longo Lexus, among others.