Two Palo Alto nonprofits that serve older adults will co-host a Sept. 24 fundraiser aiming to raise $500,000 as one of them faces a federal funding shortfall.

Avenidas and La Comida, which have each operated for more than five decades, announced the event, officially titled '2 Strong, 1 Mission,' according to the event listing. It will run from 4 to 6 p.m. in the El Palo Alto room at Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road, opening with a 'Flavors of Palo Alto' reception featuring small bites from more than 13 local restaurants, live music and an open bar, followed by dessert and a short program. Tickets cost $125, The Almanac reported.

La Comida board member Nancy Coupal, who also founded Coupa Cafe, said the nonprofit has lost "a substantial amount" of federal funding and estimates it needs to replace about 20% of that money. La Comida serves more than 325 meals daily to seniors at its new Bryant Street headquarters downtown and at Stevenson House in south Palo Alto.

"Some of these people don't see anybody, they live alone, and so when they come to La Comida, they get to socialize and be with others," Coupal told The Almanac.

Coupal said she hopes 200 to 250 people will attend and that the $500,000 goal will be split equally between the two organizations.

The restaurant lineup includes Bevri, Chef Chu's, Evvia Estiatorio, La Bodeguita Del Medio, Meyhouse, Oren's Hummus, Terun, The Patio, The Pro, Redwood Cafe, Zareen's and Coupa Cafe. Coupal said Coupa Cafe will serve its tres leches and chocolate mousse.

Avenidas President Kristina Lugo said the nonprofit plans to use its share to fund Friendly Voices, a program providing weekly phone calls to socially isolated seniors, and to expand wheelchair-accessible transportation. Friendly Voices began as a standalone nonprofit in April 2020 before merging into Avenidas.

Lugo said the goal is increasing social connection among a population that often lacks opportunities to interact with peers.

The joint fundraiser marks a reunion of sorts. La Comida spent decades inside the Avenidas building at 450 Bryant St. before a renovation forced it out. The nonprofit relied on temporary locations, including First United Methodist Church on Hamilton Avenue, before moving into a new permanent home on Bryant Street in June, directly across the street from Avenidas.

Even before the federal cuts, La Comida faced a persistent funding gap. As of January 2026, the nonprofit paid $17 per meal but had funding for only about $12, leaving a $5-per-patron shortfall that added up to roughly $260,000 annually, according to Palo Alto Online.

La Comida was founded in 1972 by the Rotary Club of Palo Alto as the first senior lunch program in Santa Clara County. Avenidas was founded in 1969.

Tickets are available at givebutter.com/2strong1mission.