Restructuring Helps Nonprofit Foundation

Nearly a year ago, Ray Castellani was ready to call it quits.

The former actor’s nonprofit mobile soup kitchen, called the Frontline Foundation, had nearly run out of money and Castellani was forced to cut paid staff.

But help from celebrities such as Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, producer of the television show “Designing Women,” contributions from schools and businesses and a $1,400 anonymous gift kept the organization alive.

Frontline was born six years ago when Castellani, who had lived on the streets, handed out 11 peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches on impulse.

At its peak, the Van Nuys organization delivered 6,000 meals each month.

Last year, about $3,000 in the red, Castellani restructured his nonprofit agency.

He switched to an all-volunteer staff and sought donations for food and utensils.

“I decided we would not pay for one single, solitary thing,” Castellani said.

Now, the organization serves 5,000 people each month.

Since last December, Castellani has been holding a monthly fund-raiser dinner at a small Chinese restaurant in Studio City.

Castellani, a cowboy actor in the ‘50s and ‘60s, said his guests include actors and actresses, people already involved with Frontline and area business leaders.

“Now we’re back at full swing and on the brink of really being able to make a dent on Skid Row,” said Castellani.