Under the Toque
MHALA’s 2026 Under the Toque gala will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:00pm, at the Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown, 500 E 1st St, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Our 7th annual Under the Toque gala – Beyond 100: Launching the Next Century of Care – was an unforgettable night of purpose and passion, where extraordinary flavors met extraordinary impact.
At this highly coveted event, guests enjoyed the rare opportunity of having a dedicated master chef who personally crafted and dramatically unveiled a spectacular five-course meal with perfectly paired wines, exclusive to their table — all in support of MHALA’s mission to ensure people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.
Thanks to everyone’s presence and support this year, we’re able to move forward with opening our new Veteran Resource Center, expanding vital mental health programs, and ensuring that every Veteran, young adult, and person facing mental health challenges has access to the care and resources they need.
If you weren’t able to attend this year’s gala, you can still support the launch of our Veteran Resource Center. Make a donation today to help us create a welcoming space where Veterans can find housing, employment, benefits assistance, and wellness programs.
2025 Honorees
MHALA was proud to recognize Don Ford and Rennie Euwing at our 7th Annual Under the Toque Gala.
Through their leadership and service, Don and Rennie helped redefine what mental health equity looks like — breaking barriers, inspiring others, and changing lives.
Their vision and dedication were at the heart of this year’s celebration.
Read more about Don Ford's longstanding commitment to mental health.
Thank you to our 2025 Under the Toque Sponsors
Presenting
Gold
Hotel Association of Los Angeles
Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Los Angeles
Patterson Construction Group Inc.
Ray & Joanne Stribling
Silver
California State University, Long Beach
Bronze
Accelerate Retirement
Actuarial Benefits Corp.
Johnson & Johnson
Our 2025 Chefs
Esteemed chefs who participated in this year's Under the Toque gala included:
- Courtney Beavers, Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown
- Paul Bentsen, The Westin Los Angeles Airport
- Paolo Buffa, W Hollywood
- Amanda Carpio, Marriott Long Beach Downtown
- Rod Dodd, Organic Harvest Gardens and St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy
- Jill Hanson, Hyatt Regency Long Beach
- Janae Macias, Sheraton Fairplex Suites and Conference Center
- Bernardo Medina, Sheraton Grand Los Angeles
- Victor Miguel, Los Angeles Airport Marriott
- Giuseppe Musso, Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
- Jimmy Ng and Erik Pastora, Los Angeles Harbor College
- Kevin Palacios and Gerald Thompson, MHALA's The Village Cookie Shoppe
- Walter Rivas, Marina del Rey Marriott
- Collin Smelser, Westin Long Beach
- Luis Torres, Hotel Maya
- Ramiro Villegas, Los Angeles Mission College
sign up!
To participate as a sponsor or chef, contact MHALA's Development Department at development@mhala.org or visit onecau.se/utt.
