With Haven's Randy Evans and Canopy's Claire Smith at the culinary helm, how could the "Come to the Table" evening be anything less than a delicious and inspiring fundraiser — this one prepared and served in The Beacon Day Center, where on other days of the week the downtown homeless population is cared for.

The second annual fundraiser for The Beacon, which serves hot meals to more than 500 men, women and children each day, was a sellout with guests signing up for a four-course, chef-inspired dinner. Joining Evans and Smith in the kitchen were Hugo's Hugo Ortega, Indika's Anita Jaisinghani, Mockingbird Bistro's John Sheely and Masraff's Dominic Juarez.

The two-tiered event began with a cocktail reception for the 350 guests in Nancy's Garden (adjacent to The Beacon), where even more restaurants and food entities were involved — BlackFinn American Grille, Hearsay Gastro Lounge, Houston Dairymaids, Latin Bites Café, Emily Nelson Catering, Roost, Sage 400, Shade and The Tasting Room.

For those with dinner reservations, the evening continued with the seated feast in the day center that was transformed into a party dining room. The younger set remained in the garden for dancing, a raffle, wine pull and a grab bag sale. Chaired by Linda Bischoff and Carol Vickery, the event raised more than $300,000 for the non-profit established by Christ Church Cathedral.

Helping raise funds for The Beacon were event presenter Nancy Powell Moore, emcee KTRK Channel 13 news anchor Melanie Lawson, Richard Bischoff, Andy Vickery, City Councilman Steve Costello, Lee Bischoff, Alex and Anthony Heins, Patrice and Johnny Heins, Alison and Chris Bell and Nicole and Jim Perdue Jr.