O'Neal emphasizes, "When the fires were first happening, there was this sense of helplessness for me being based in New York. I want other New Yorkers to feel like they can do something while also reminding them why California is so important as a culinary force in the world." This highlights her motivation to contribute meaningfully to help victims of the wildfires.
O'Neal is serving dishes inspired by her California roots, including cioppino, a seafood stew, and a salad with collard greens, demonstrating the connection between her heritage and her culinary style.
The proceeds will support families who lost homes in the Altadena wildfires, underscoring the generational and cultural losses faced by Black and brown families in that area owing to the fires. O'Neal notes, "For many Black and brown families, the fires presented a generational and cultural loss that goes beyond the immediate destruction."
O'Neal is dedicated to using her culinary skills for charity, stating, "I decided that the best way to help was by leaning into what I know how to do best, which is cook." This reflects her passion for her craft and commitment to community relief.
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