Iron Chef to raise awareness of hunger issues

By DAILY SOUND STAFF - Chef Cat Cora, known for displaying her culinary skills on “Iron Chef America,” will lend her celebrity status to a fundraiser benefiting the hungry and homeless of Santa Barbara.

“Opening Nights — Opening Hearts: A Filmanthropic Event,” the official kickoff to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, will feature hors d’oeuvres and a specialty cocktail created by Cora. The event takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at Café Buenos Aires, across the street from the Arlington Theater.

Guests will be able to walk across the street to the theater, where the opening night festivities and screening of “Flying Lessons” will take place at 8 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Casa Esperanza homeless shelter and Community Kitchen, which provides up to 650 meals daily to the hungry and homeless. Food is also distributed at offsite locations, such as senior centers and afterschool programs.