BOMBAY BEACH — While parades and Christmas festivals light up the larger cities in the Valley, one often overlooked Northend community is spreading the holiday spirit by delivering homemade lasagnas to those most in need.
This year’s LasagnaThon — an effort spearheaded by part-time Bombay Beach resident Eva DiShanni and supported by local organizations like the Bombay Beach Community Services District and the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation — brought together volunteers, donors and community partners to prepare and distribute 200 lasagnas on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. The event aimed to provide a warm holiday meal to veterans, seniors and families facing food insecurity in Bombay Beach and surrounding areas, continuing a tradition that has grown into a beacon of hope for the Northend.
“I come out every year, and I make a bunch of lasagnas for my friends and family in Bombay Beach,” said DiShanni, founder of LasagnaThon and marketing director of the Mason Canter Group. “Last year, I realized I could make a whole lot more if I got some sponsorships and raised some money. What started as a small personal effort has grown into something magical, thanks to all the incredible people who have stepped up to help.”
DiShanni, who splits her time between Los Angeles and Bombay Beach, said her connection to the community runs deep. “I’ve been coming out here since I was a little girl,” she shared. “It’s kind of a forgotten place when it comes to resources. People pay taxes, but the services they need don’t always make it out here, especially for the elderly and those on fixed incomes. That’s part of what inspired me to do more.”
Volunteers prep lasagnas in an assembly line for LasagnaThon at the community center in Bombay Beach on Dec. 14. 200 lasagnas were prepared and frozen ahead of the distribution day on Dec. 21. | COURTESY PHOTO
What began as a modest goal to make 20 lasagnas for close friends and neighbors has since grown into a collaborative community effort. Last year, DiShanni set out to make 100 lasagnas but, with an outpouring of support from volunteers, ended up preparing 150. “This year, we raised over $2,000 and had even more people step up,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how much can be done when people come together for a common purpose.”
On Dec. 14, the Bombay Beach Community Center buzzed with activity as volunteers came together to prepare the lasagnas. “We prepare them and then we put them in the freezer so that they’re easy to move around,” DiShanni explained. “That way, you don’t have to use it right away, and it’s not going to make a mess in your car if it spills over or something.” By the end of the day, 200 lasagnas were carefully wrapped and frozen, each one made with care and love.
Bombay Beach’s struggles with limited access to basic services deeply shaped DiShanni’s motivation to launch and grow LasagnaThon. Many residents face challenges that are hard to imagine in larger, better-resourced communities. “There are no jobs out here, no bus service, and no nearby post office or fire department,” she said. “A lot of these people don’t even have reliable transportation to take their trash to the nearest drop-off point, let alone access medical care or groceries.”
DiShanni noted that the community’s elderly population is especially vulnerable. “Some of the older folks out here live completely alone. They’re isolated, often without family nearby and getting help can feel impossible,” she explained. “These are people who worked hard their entire lives, but now they’re struggling with things as simple as getting to the pharmacy or having a hot meal.”
Despite these challenges, DiShanni found a deep resilience in the people of Bombay Beach. “They’re some of the sweetest people in the world, but they’ve been forgotten,” she said. “For me, LasagnaThon is about more than just giving out food. It’s about showing them that someone cares, that they matter.”
Volunteers show off finished and packaged lasagnas at the preparation day for LasagnaThon at the Community Center in Bombay Beach on Dec. 14. | COURTESY PHOTO
DiShanni’s desire to show Bombay Beach residents that they matter is at the heart of LasagnaThon’s mission. For many, the lasagnas are more than just a meal — they are a gesture of kindness and connection in a place where such reminders can be rare. “I wanted to make sure there was something for Christmas,” she shared. “It’s a hard time of year for so many, and these meals are a way to bring a little hope to people who might otherwise feel left behind.”
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On Dec. 21, the frozen lasagnas were carefully distributed from the Bombay Beach Community Center to residents across the area. This year’s approach marked a change from last year, when meals were delivered door-to-door. “Last year, we hand-delivered the meals, which isn’t something that usually happens,” DiShanni said. The change to a centralized distribution center allowed for smoother logistics while still maintaining a personal touch. The recipients, including veterans, seniors and families facing food insecurity, were grateful for the effort.
“I’ve lived in Bombay Beach for over 20 years, and the holidays can be a tough time for a lot of us here. I’m a veteran, and I’m on a fixed income, so things like big holiday meals just aren’t in the budget. But when I received a lasagna, it was like a gift from heaven,” said one resident, wishing to remain anonymous. “For our community, events like this bring so much hope. They remind us that we’re stronger together. I can’t thank Eva, Candace and everyone involved enough for what they’re doing. It’s truly making a difference in our lives.”
A sign thanking volunteers and donors is shown above a table filled with lasagnas for distribution to Bombay Beach residents in need at the Community Center in Bombay Beach. | COURTESY PHOTO
Collaboration played a crucial role in bringing LasagnaThon to life, as DiShanni worked alongside local organizations and community leaders to ensure its success. Central to this effort was Candace Youngberg, director of the Bombay Beach Community Services District, whose organizational skills and local connections proved invaluable. “Candace is incredible,” DiShanni said. “She has this amazing ability to connect with people and handle even the most challenging situations with grace. Her leadership made this whole thing seamless.”
The event also benefited from the support of sponsors like the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation and the Mason Canter Group, DiShanni’s family business. “My husband’s company contributed a lot this year,” she shared. “It’s part of our commitment to building a strong, healthy community center that can truly serve the people here.” From volunteers to donors, the teamwork behind LasagnaThon was a testament to what can be accomplished when a community rallies together.
Looking ahead, DiShanni’s vision for LasagnaThon continues to grow. “Next year, I’m pretty confident I want to make one for every door in the community,” she said. “Whether they need it or not. There’s no reason we can’t all celebrate. If I can make them, we should make them.” With the support of sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, she hopes to expand the event’s reach and bring even more warmth and connection to Bombay Beach and beyond.