THE CROWD:

It’s a popular concept creating a fabulous dinner for those able to pay to raise money for those who can’t afford to live.

Many question the dichotomy of the reality; nevertheless, the end surely justifies the means. Money raised from such affairs is a lifeline for many people. So be it.

Last week some 300 well-meaning folks gathered for dinner prepared by two of the county’s celebrated stove-top engineers, Jeff Littlefield and Zov Karamardian.

They called it “The Ultimate Gourmet Feast” for nonprofit charitable organization Serving People In Need.

On this night those that have, including the Robert Mayer family, owners of the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort, Huntington Beach, where the event unfolded, made a major difference.

The Mayers joined the two host chefs, a generous list of food and wine purveyors, and community members, including longtime dedicated Serving People In Need donors Richard and Kim Crawford coming together to make the evening a success in very difficult economic times.

They raised more than $200,000 earmarked for the growing ranks of the homeless in Orange County.

Most recent estimates claim that there are 35,000 homeless people in the county. “Almost 70% are families,” according to Serving People In Need’s statistics. In 2007 the organization reports that 86% of those assisted achieved self-sufficiency with 92 cents of every dollar donated going directly to programs and services assisting those in need.

In total, the nonprofit helped some 20,400 homeless people in the county, which was made possible by the donations and the volunteer hours of people including the dinner event committee members Kim Frazier, Peggy Listi, Sue McGraw, Katherine Mielke, Jenni Porteous, Mary Lou Shattuck, Jean Wegener and Kim Crawford.

Additional major donors included Roy and Leslie Disney, Golden State Foods, Kirwan Family Foundation, Frome Family Foundation, John and Mary Lynn Bergman-Rallis, John Heffernan and so many more.

As unemployment rises and government assistance fails to meet the needs of those most vulnerable, the private sector will be called upon to bridge the gap.

We face serious challenges in the months ahead. Serving People In Need is one group that will be needed more than ever in recent memory.

To find out more information, or to get involved call (714) 751-1101 or visit www.spin.org.

One final thought. If it ever bothered you, even a bit, that wealthy citizens were dining on gourmet food in order to raise money to feed, clothe and shelter others not so fortunate, consider the fact that these folks are actually doing something to help others.

Further, know that every person at every table is saying a prayer either silently or audibly counting their blessings and good fortune for “there but for the grace of God.”

Anyone could find their circumstances altered and their place at the table of good fortune lost. Anyone.

This crisis will see Americans shine brighter than ever coming together to help. It’s only the beginning.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.