Bridge to Home, the primary homeless services provider in the Santa Clarita Valley, invites the community to its premier annual fundraiser, “Soup for the Soul – Sera in Italia,” at the Bella Vida senior center in Canyon Country on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m.

“Now is a pivotal time in making a true and lasting impact on homeless in our community,” said Bridge to Home Executive Director Michael Foley. “We recently announced that we have secured a large portion of the funds necessary to keep our shelter services running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. However, there is still a $250,000 funding gap we need to meet.”

Guests will enjoy an “Evening in Italy” with simmering soups, crafted fresh from the garden, prepared by your favorite local restaurants.

Following the theme of soup, attendees will be treated to favorites from Salt Creek Grille, Souplantation, Olive Garden, Fish Tail Seafood Grill and Lazy Dog Café.

In addition, the following restaurants and businesses are providing savory appetizers, craft brews, fine wines and decadent desserts: Italia Panetteria & Deli, Marston’s Restaurant, Olive Terrace, Wolf Creek Brewery, Egg Plantation, Spumoni Trattoria & Pizzeria, Piccola Trattoria & Pizzeria, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Old World Deli, The Press Room, Ralphs, Mystic Hills Wines, Kendall-Jackson Wines and barista Danny Silva.

There will be lively bidding on fabulous silent auction packages, a live auction featuring trips to Santa Fe, New Mexico and Big Bear, along with a Fund-a Need opportunity when participants can donate directly to support the case management services and the homeless shelter buildings operated by Bridge to Home.

More than 30 local businesses are already signed on as sponsors of this event, including event premium sponsors Stay Green and Sand Canyon Country Club.

Guests will also be able to learn more about Bridge to Home’s mission, enjoy live entertainment, bid on fabulous auction items and much more.

Participation in this Italian affair will help Bridge to Home with its mission of providing resources to those experiencing homelessness in our community.

Bridge to Home provides support services – including shelter, case management and housing navigation that help individuals and families in the Santa Clarita Valley transition out of homelessness.

All these resources and services are available thanks to funds from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, or LAHSA, along with subcontracts with Los Angeles Family Housing, private and public grants, and extensive in-kind donations and participation from the local community.

A recent grant from LAHSA in the amount of $840,000 will fund 60 beds at the Bridge to Home shelter on Drayton Street in Saugus as of Sept. 15.

Since the funds from this new contract cover 75% of the cost of the expansion, Bridge to Home is launching a significant fundraising campaign to fill the gap and provide the services and resources needed to aid homeless individuals and families in the Santa Clarita Valley.

In addition, Bridge to Home is in the process of building a new shelter facility. To make this happen we need the support of the community.

Come enjoy a night of food and fun – while helping this important cause. Individual tickets are $100 and sponsorships are available.

Please visit btohome.org to buy tickets and learn more about Bridge to Home.

Bella Vida is located at 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita 91351.