Poster for awards presentation event

1. UNSUNG HERO AWARD
BRUNO SERATO
Owner, The White House Restaurant, Anaheim
B
runo Serato was born in Laon, France, one of seven children of
Italian immigrants who had left Italy because of so little work after
WWII. Homesick, the Serato’s returned to Italy in 1967 and opened
a restaurant and motel complex. The operation fell to mama and Bruno. “At
times I was the chef, waiter and bartender all at once,” Bruno recalls. At 20,
Bruno had to serve in the Italian Air Force. But then, in 1980 his life changed
and he came to live in Orange County and in 1986 was awarded Maitre’d of
the Year by the Southern California Restaurant Writers.
For many years Bruno has been involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Anaheim where, seven days a week, he serves them fresh pasta meals; he is
also the creator of “Caterina’s Girls Club” in honor of his mama that helps
underprivileged girls. “I try to reach my customers to help me to raise money
to help those who really need it. It’s working very well, thanks to you all.”
All monies go for the Club; a van, furniture and other things were purchased
for the children; and “Paint Your Heart Out” that paints houses for the low
income elderly. “We’re doing very well and you should see the happiness,
their smile is worth a million bucks.” “All of these fundraisers make me very
happy.”
Over the last 10 years we’ve raised more than half a million dollars; Bruno
is also involved in finding homes and apartments for motel families with
children. But his charity work goes beyond helping just children, he has
also given generously to community outreach and non-profits. Because of
all the charity work he does, Bruno was nominated “Citizen of the Year” by
the Cypress College Foundation for the City of Anaheim. After 19 years,
he has won every award possible in the industry. President Jimmy Carter
has dined at The White House and Bruno has catered for Madonna. “This
country,” says Bruno, “is the kind of place where a young man coming to
America with $200 in his pocket can make his dreams come true.”