Screen Legend Sophia Loren Makes Splash Over Weekend In Support Of Nonprofits

Screen legend Sophia Loren took center stage this weekend at an exclusive event held in Santa Monica benefiting two Southern California nonprofits — the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, which was founded by her son Maestro Carlo Ponti in 2013, and Caterina’s Club, which was started by Sir Bruno Serato in 2005 to feed underprivileged children (some 25,000 hot pasta dinners per week), find permanent housing for families in need and train at-risk youth for careers in the hospitality industry.

Supporters were able to meet the Oscar-winner at a reception held just prior to a performance by the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra that featured Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito.

“What an unforgettable event highlighted by an incredible evening of fine food, exquisite music and, of course, the First Lady of the silver screen, Ms. Sophia Loren,” said Serato, an Italian native whose close bond with Ponti led to a friendship with Loren. “Ms. Loren’s unwavering support of the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra and Caterina’s Club is evidence of her exceptional kindness, big open heart and generosity of spirit. I can’t imagine ever enjoying another evening as much as I did on Friday night. It was beyond special and a memory I will hold dear forever.”

Under the direction of Ponti, the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra serves as a catalyst in supporting music education through collaborative partnerships with communities, schools, agencies and other arts organizations, with 100% of net income from performances supporting music study. At a time when school budget cuts are putting such programs at risk, the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra promotes a world in which every young person has access to music education. For more information, visit https://lavirtuosi.org.

For his work on behalf of Caterina’s Club, Serato has earned international publicity including profiles in People Magazine, and has appeared on countless TV news and talk shows including “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “Access Hollywood,” “CBS Evening News” and “NBC Nightly News.” Among his many honors: CNN Hero, knighted by both the Italian government and the House of Savoy, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a papal blessing from Pope Francis, a humanitarian award on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, and numerous proclamations, Man of the Year awards and other forms of recognition — all of which he accepts to generate public awareness of Caterina’s Club. For more information, visit www.caterinasclub.org.

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Caterina's Club City: Anaheim Address: 451 West Lincoln Avenue Website: https://www.caterinasclub.org