An Evening of Connection, Community & Giving Back

At Park Avenue Catering, giving back is at the heart of who we are. From ongoing community support and philanthropic partnerships to our recent Party with a Purpose fundraiser benefiting the American Brain Tumor Association, we are proud to use hospitality as a way to bring people together and create meaningful change.

Party with a Purpose

uniting our community for a cause

At Park Avenue Catering, our philosophy has always extended beyond the events we create. From supporting our team and industry partners to giving back to the communities we serve, we are committed to making a lasting, positive impact.

Throughout the year, we support our Northern California community through direct financial contributions, in-kind donations, discounted pricing, auction dinners, sponsorships, and other philanthropic initiatives.

Through these initiatives, along with the support of our generous clients and partners, we contribute well in excess of $150,000 annually to local nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to ensure our team feels supported and valued while also helping the communities around us continue to thrive.

We take a holistic approach to the way we operate, making thoughtful choices that support our neighbors and our planet while creating meaningful connections through hospitality. Community involvement and philanthropy are an important part of who we are at Park Avenue Catering, and we are proud to use our platform to make a positive impact.

Our recent Party with a Purpose fundraiser brought this commitment to life, gathering our hospitality community for an afternoon centered around connection, generosity, and shared purpose. Hosted at the beautiful Aesthete Winery & Farm, the event provided the perfect setting for industry leaders, longtime friends, and partners to come together in support of a cause close to our hearts. Guests enjoyed local wine, thoughtfully crafted bites, lively trivia, networking, and raffle prizes generously donated by our sponsors. More than a fundraiser, it was a reminder of what can happen when a community gathers with intention.

Meet Thomas

A member of our park avenue family
Thomas is the son of our Sales & Business Development Manager, Justine. In late 2017, a grand mal seizure led to the discovery of a large mass on Thomas’s brain. After 18 months of fierce and fearless fighting, Thomas passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and kindness.
His loss was felt deeply by Justine and her family, as well as the entire Park Avenue Catering community, who had the privilege of watching Thomas grow from a lanky teenager into an accomplished, insightful, and determined young man.
Throughout his treatment, Thomas met every challenge with remarkable strength and determination navigating countless procedures, therapies, and appointments with courage and resilience. Even in the most difficult moments, Thomas had a way of bringing laughter to those around him and brightening any room he entered.

Honoring Thomas’s Legacy

Continuing the Fight Against Brain Tumors

Brain cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all cancer diagnoses each year, which has historically resulted in less research funding compared to many other forms of cancer. Through support of organizations such as the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), we can help advance critical research, provide resources and support for patients and families, and advocate for the nearly one million people currently living with brain tumors.

In the years since Thomas’s passing, Justine has remained dedicated to supporting ABTA’s mission through the Brain Tumor 5K, representing #TeamThomas to raise awareness and gather donations for brain tumor research. She will continue that commitment by participating in the upcoming Northern California BT5K on August 29, 2026.

Party with a Purpose was our opportunity to support this important mission by bringing together our hospitality community for an afternoon of connection, generosity, and giving back. Guests enjoyed local wine, delicious bites, friendly trivia, networking, and raffle prizes generously donated by our sponsors. Whether attendees joined the trivia competition or simply reconnected with colleagues, the event celebrated the generosity and camaraderie that define our hospitality community.

One attendee reflected that the afternoon "brought together industry icons, longtime friends, and the collective love we all share for Justine," a testament to the strong sense of community, genuine connection, and lasting relationships fostered by the people who make Park Avenue Catering what it is, both within our team and throughout the hospitality industry. Their closing sentiment captured the spirit of the event perfectly: "It reminded all of us what is possible when a community shows up with intention."

Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, 100% of event proceeds, including guest donations and raffle ticket sales, went directly to the American Brain Tumor Association. These funds will support vital research, advocacy, and patient resources for those impacted by brain tumors. The overwhelming support from our guests, sponsors, and hospitality community made the afternoon a meaningful celebration of Thomas’s legacy and a powerful reminder that hospitality is about more than serving great food; it is about caring for one another and showing up when it matters most.

A special shout out to our generous event sponsors for helping bring the evening to life: