The First Annual Joan Hisaoka “Make A Difference” Gala benefiting the Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts was held last night at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC. In an evening that demonstrated some of the healing that has taken place since Joan's passing May 14 from cancer, the emphasis was on raising money in her honor. The evening's mission of Making a Difference for Smith Farm Center added a joy and spiritual element to her ongoing memory that lives within us.
The Smith Farm Center is a Washington, DC based (16th and U St. NW) non-profit health, education and creative arts organization that serves individuals, families and communities affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. Joan developed a relationship with the center as she worked through her days with cancer. Since its founding in 1996, Smith Farm programs have positively transformed the experience of living with cancer – for adults, their caregivers and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Smith Farm Center retreats and programs foster internal healing, stimulate creative and spiritual resources, enhance living and complement mainstream medical care. The Smith Farm Center will use the funds raised from the gala to expand the facilities, and broaden their care of individuals living with cancer, their families and adult caregivers. Visit the Smith Farm Center Web site.
Robert Hisaoka, Joan's brother, along with his wife Paula and Joan's husband Marvin Rosskopf worked tirelessly since her death to make the evening a reality. Todd and Ellen Gray planned the menu and Annie Boutin-King and The Ritz-Carlton executed the meal and the service. It was a wonderful tribute with a beautiful result. As soon as I have the numbers from Robert, I will post the "giving" numbers.
fotos: There were many of the leading women of foodservice on hand.
Ris Lacoste and Heather Chittum helped the event auction team raise the bidding for the chef items.