To view photos from this event, check out our Facebook album.
Despite historic levels of rain fall in the Bay Area throughout the week, hundreds of Project Open Hand supporters still turned out to support the 32nd annual Hand to Hand Gala on Friday, November 22. Held at the Hibernia in downtown San Francisco for the third year in a row, attendees were treated to an evening filled with local, nutritious food, as well as music, entertainment, and the celebration of our amazing community.
Guests perused auction items on the Lower Level, enjoyed drinks, and lined up to take photos with the photo booth or in front of the Project Open Hand step-n-repeat. VIP attendees enjoyed a private wine tasting. The Charles Unger Experience, a jazz trio from the Bay Area, serenaded guests as they went to fill their plates and take their seats.
In his opening remarks, Project Open Hand CEO, Paul Hepfer, shared the organization's commitment to serving meals that are beneficial to both the health of people and the planet: "It was important to us to incorporate more plant-based and plant-forward dishes into our menu tonight, and procuring foods from local farms. We are pleased to share with you tonight local produce from Full Belly Farms, cheese from point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, and Cyprus Grove Creamery, to name a few."
Highlights of the program included a recognition for Project Open Hand's recent accreditation with the Food Is Medicine Coalition - the first nonprofit in Northern California to achieve that - as well as unique auction items. Popular offerings included a Farm Dinner in the Project Open Hand kitchen for up to twelve people, as well as international trips to Italy and Paris.
Speakers for the event included Paul Dressel, nephew of the late Jon Borset, to present the Jon Borset Award For Service; Project Open Hand's Vice President of Wellness Programs, Ana Ayala; and Project Open Hand CEO, Paul Hepfer, who presented the Ruth Brinker Visionary Award to international nonprofit World Central Kitchen. Chef Wendy Escobedo, Manager of Culinary Operations, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Awards were presented to an amazing group of organizations and individuals, including:
- Jon Borset Award for Service: Lisa Erdos
- Most Outstanding Community Partners: Alameda Alliance for Health and San Francisco Health Plan
- Ruth Brinker Visionary Award: World Central Kitchen
Following the program, local pianist Nathan John Torento played music in the Lower Level, and took requests for karaoke throughout the evening as coffee and desserts were laid out to enjoy.
We extend our special thanks to The Bread Project, who hosted the event in community partnership with us, as well as Master Chef Sponsor the Goldman Foundation, and all the donors, board members, and Project Open Hand staff and volunteers who help to put on this amazing event year after year.
Event Photos
To view photos from this event, check out our Facebook album.
Sponsorship Opportunities for Next Year's Hand to Hand 2025
Interested in sponsorship opportunities for next year's Hand to Hand? Contact us at [email protected].