Our mission as a family is to take care of ourselves, each other and our planet so we can keep doing what we love – creating welcoming places for people to gather over delicious, thoughtful food. That power of coming together over food isn’t limited to our restaurant spaces though. Since our founding in December 2006, we’ve been committed to a variety of causes that help build more sustainable and equitable communities, and a healthier world for us to live in.

Through the generous support of our guests, family and friends over the years, we’ve been able to raise well over $2 million for LA-based non-profits focused on feeding those in need, supporting homeless families & individuals, the environment, racial equality, education and more. In fact, that figure is probably a lot higher, but we were always so focused on the cause and not necessarily tallying the numbers!

Upward Bound House's Urban Farm Project

Our First Bake & Gather Fundraiser

Cassia Cooking Meals at The People Concern

Cassia's First LA Chefs for Human Rights Event, Benefiting PTV

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has financially impacted our restaurant industry (among so many others), it’s just resolved us even more to be leaders in our community and to continue this deeply important work. Here are some of the incredible non-profits and organizations we’ve partnered with or supported in the past, so we hope you’ll be inspired to donate or volunteer your time.

Upward Bound House

Since 2014, our annual VIP Membership Program has raised over $1 million for this non-profit that’s located just 2 blocks from Rustic Canyon, and helps homeless families with children by providing transitional housing, supportive services and advocacy. Their Urban Farm Project, just a short drive from Milo + Olive, gives families the opportunity to grow and harvest fresh produce as part of their larger Health & Wellness program. Each year, Upward Bound House serves more than 400 families throughout Los Angeles, and 95% of the ones they assist remain stably housed more than 1 year after placement.

The People Concern

The partnership with this LA non-profit started in 2018 with Cassia’s LA Chefs for Human Rights fundraising initiative, and our group’s involvement with them has only grown. The People Concern helps empower those who are homeless, food insecure or victims of domestic violence to rebuild their lives. They provide housing, counseling, wellness programs and food to those in need at their 5 interim housing sites throughout the city (1 of which is several blocks away from Cassia), with the goal of moving individuals into permanent supportive housing.

The CCOF Foundation

This non-profit was founded in California more than 40 years ago and now spans the breadth of North America, with the goal of advancing organic agriculture for a healthy world. Their amazing team supports the growth of organic through education and grants, provides organic certification that’s personal and accessible, plus so much more.

In 2021, we partnered with them to shape a new Organic Transition Grant program, which helps recipients make the transition to regenerative, organic farming, along with raising funds for mentor farmers who have undergone similar transitions. The goal is to support small and midsize California farms, with an emphasis on BIPOC farmers, by granting $10,000 for three consecutive years (the length it takes to fully transition to certified organic). The aim is to raise $500,000, with an emphasis on supporting BIPOC farmers and their farming projects.

In 2022, CCOF granted $120,000 to12 Latinx farmers within California’s Central Coast, and the Foundation is in the process of fundraising for the next two years. You can read more about their progress in this e-mail newsletter.

Program For Torture Victims

When Cassia’s Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng launched LA Chefs for Human Rights in 2016, this local non-profit was the first beneficiary of their fundraising efforts. PTV is the first rehabilitation program in the U.S. dedicated to treating torture survivors from over 70 counties. Through their comprehensive services, these survivors are empowered to re-enter society, reclaim their identities and work toward a world without torture.

Gather For Good

In spring 2017, Zoe Nathan created a grassroots fundraising initiative that unites and empowers business owners, parents and caring residents to make a difference in their communities through simple gatherings. It launched with a series of “Bake & Gather” bake sales hosted by some of Los Angeles’ top bakers at parks, restaurants, schools and gardens throughout the city, raising funds for non-profits such as Planned Parenthood, Pro Publica, Watts Community Healing Garden, the ACLU and more. Accomplished baker Stephanie Chen and Tehachapi Grain Project Manager Sherry Mandell now spearhead Gather For Good, and have raised nearly $218,000 for more than 45 charities!