Sasha Strauss

Coming from two very philanthropic families, Sasha Strauss and Leerone Milstein grew up believing in the importance of helping those less fortunate.When planning their December 2006 wedding, the Los Feliz couple immediately knew they wanted to include a charitable aspect to their big day.But rather than simply asking guests to donate to a worthy cause, the couple wanted something more.

"We wanted a program where [our guests] could participate hands-on in a philanthropic cause to feel like they have already affected someone when they left," said Strauss, the chair of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles' marketing and communications committee and the owner of a brand consulting firm.

A few days before their wedding, the couple and about 40 of their guests spent several hours assembling food baskets at the SOVA Food Pantry in Los Angeles.Strauss, his wife and their guests were deeply affected by the experience.

"That type of direct exposure changes people," Strauss said.

Sasha Strauss