Every year, our founder, Merri Schwartz, writes a poem to thank the incredible people who make From Farms to Forks possible.
This year was no exception! From our sponsors, chefs and growers to our volunteers, students and community partners, Merri’s poem celebrates the many hands and hearts behind a wonderful night.
Enjoy this year’s edition of this much-loved annual tradition!
Welcome each one to From Farms to Forks gala,
It’s so good to see you, it’s lovely to have ya…
Here! As we celebrate, and raise up our cups,
A moment of patience, as thanks we give up.
First RBC—title sponsor and more,
RBC volunteers met you at the door!
Seven sponsors plus, to each are we grateful,
Artigiano, Vancity, and Foundry, make us able…
To change lives of kids, and let’s not forget,
To Intercity, BCFresh, Windset Farms we’re in debt,
Connie Buna, you sponsor us, year after year,
To all I have named, let’s give a great cheer!
To our chefs who are prepping your fabulous dinners,
To our growers who toil through the summers and winters.
To our beverage sponsors—12—who make possible drinks,
To the volunteers—31—who do more than you think…
Is possible, honestly! They make this night shine,
Our staff I could thank till the true end of time.
Our hosts—Aritzia—a round of applause for this room!
Tony and Sam, we are really just over the moon.
Your support and your skill is just darn amazing,
Peter Blitz for the sound and AV—he did EVERYTHING!
To the kids who showed up to bring you to tears,
With their words and their service skills, wise beyond years.
To lead volunteers: Ange, Guillaume, and dear Robbyn,
I’ve said it before, without you I’d be sobbin’
To Margaret and Fred on the mic strong and steady,
Live auction, silent auction—get those bids ready!
The Gala Committee, 12 people who guided us,
Air Canada Foundation for the raffle prize—fabulous!
Artona for printing, Pederen’s for the spoons,
Mon Paris for the chocolates that you’ll enjoy soon.
House of Knives, you donate without taking a beat,
Josephine Choi and the Raymundo Trio for music so sweet,
Champion Radishes donating each month to our cause,
Board of Directors for guiding, support without pause.
Mise Tableware literally making us plates,
Deena Buckley inspiring with anecdotes great.
Thanks to you for your patience as I read out this rhyme,
Now let’s all go eat! It’s almost that time.
— Merri Schwartz