Organizers at non-profit Project Open Hand have announced that its 25th anniversary “Hand to Hand Holiday Luncheon” will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2017.
Fairmont San Francisco (950 Mason St.) will host, with the event taking place from 11am-1:30pm. Proceeds will benefit Project Open Hand and their efforts to serve “meals with love” to critically ill neighbors and seniors.
Iron Chef’s Cat Cora (Food Network) is scheduled to keynote, and will honor four community leaders: Linda Glick, Barbara A. Garcia, Giants Enterprises, and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (see below to learn more about this year’s honorees)
“We are honored that Chef Cat Cora will be participating in Project Open Hand’s 25th Anniversary Hand to Hand Holiday Luncheon,” said Project Open Hand CEO Mark Ryle. “Known for her exuberance and commitment to healthy living through food, Chef Cora shares our passion to nourish and engage the San Francisco and Oakland community, ensuring that all communities throughout the Bay Area, have access to healthy nutritious meals. Additionally, this year’s honorees exemplify and care deeply about the community, our clients and our mission to assist them to lead stronger, healthier lives and we are proud to pay tribute to them this year.”
The philanthropic luncheon begins at 11 a.m. with appetizers by notable local chef Rebecca Jean of Rebecca Jean Catering, light cocktails, specialty drinks as well as a raffle from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lunch, from 12 – 1:30 p.m., will feature entrées and desserts prepared by award-winning local chefs, including Project Open Hand’s Executive Chef Adrian Barrow, Fairmont San Francisco’s Executive Chef Oscar Gonzalez and The Bread Project’s Pastry Chef Mark Chacon, as well as a live auction hosted by renowned auctioneer Abra Annes.
In addition to delivering the keynote address, Chef Cora will also prepare one of her signature dishes, Halibut with Pepitas, Capers and Tomatoes.
Project Open Hand
2017 HonoreesLinda Glick – Ruth Brinker Visionary Award 2017
Project Open Hand Board Member Linda Glick is being honored for her work as a philanthropist, volunteer, and community leader. She has touched countless lives and has made an impact on the Bay Area and beyond. Linda’s selfless dedication, generosity, and contribution of time, energy and resources, ensures that the mission of Project
Open Hand continues.Barbara A. Garcia – Community Advocate Award 2017
This inaugural award recognizes Ms. Garcia as a beacon for our clients. In her position as Director of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Barbara has advocated for the critically ill and has shown a passion in finding justice for those in need. She emulates past leaders in our community who refuse to let barriers stop them from looking out for the less fortunate. Barbara Garcia is a true pillar in our community.
Giants Enterprises – Most Outstanding Community Partner Award 2017
For the last 10 plus years, Giants Enterprises/San Francisco Giants, an exemplary community partner, has supported the work of Project Open Hand through contributions of time, voice and dollars.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. – Most Outstanding Corporate Supporter Award 2017
Gilead Sciences, Inc. has pursued in an intentional way of working together to solve complex problems. Gilead Sciences has demonstrated a commitment by investing grants, time and knowledge in support of the Project Open Hand mission.
“I am thrilled to be delivering the keynote address and cooking at the Hand to Hand Holiday Luncheon. I love Project Open Hand’s mission, providing meals with love and helping people lead healthier lives. I’m proud to be a part of such a meaningful event,” said Chef Cora.
Tickets for the Hand to Hand Holiday Luncheon start from $350 and are available now.
Sounds like a great time for a great cause. We hope to see you there!
