Hoping to reap a Harvest

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- With so much attention focused on the needs of the

victims of the East Coast attacks, local charities such as Second Harvest

Food Bank of Orange County are trying to remind people about the need for

giving at home.

“We don’t want to seem unsympathetic in any way, but it would be nice

if people could give to both disaster relief funds as well as in their

own communities,” said Marcella Barba, spokeswoman for Second Harvest

Food Bank of Orange County.

To address the local need for donations, South Coast Plaza will host

the 17th annual Food, Wine and Microbrew Fest today. At the event, many

Orange County restaurants, regional vineyards and microbreweries will

serve up samples of their specialties to raise funds and awareness during

Hunger Awareness Month. Guests will also be treated to the live jazz

tunes of “Blues Gone South.”

The event will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County --

the largest hunger relief organization in the county -- which collects

and distributes food to about 190,000 people per month, Barba said. Last

year, the event raised $75,000, which allowed the organization to feed

nearly 2 million hungry people, Barba said.

Because of the lagging economy, donations were down even before the

terrorists attacks on Sept. 11, Barba said. Recent layoffs contributed to

the lack in donations but also added to the number of those in need of

help, Barba said.

“It’s a sad cycle,” she said.

Clayton Shurley, owner of Clayton Shurley’s Real BBQ, said his

business is driven by a local market, so he has not felt the financial

crunch that other tourist-driven restaurants have. Because he is still

able to give, he has rearranged his charitable giving to put local

charities, and the Food, Wine and Microbrew Fest, at the top of his list.

“I understand as well as anyone that you can’t give it unless you earn

it,” Shurley said.

He has been involved in the event for five years. Event participants

will be able to dine on Shurley’s authentic smoked beef brisket

sandwiches, as well as many other dishes.

FYI

* WHAT: 17th annual Food, Wine and Microbrew Fest

* WHERE: South Coast Plaza, in the Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home wing,

3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa

* WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today

* COST: $50 per person at the door and $30 per person for groups of 10

or more

* INFORMATION: (714)771-1343 or o7 https://www.foodfest.orgf7