She is a wiz in the kitchen, and a wiz with her words. From Farms to Forks just wouldn’t be the same without the poetic finale from our Founder and Chair, Chef Merri Schwartz. At our Culinary Kick-Off on Sunday, October 3rd (the first of five great events), Merri closed the evening with the following:
Well, who could have known that we’d be here again,
United, yet distant, and still all good friends.
Though we love Zoom, we hate Zoom! We’re grateful you’re here,
You showed up tonight to support and to cheer.
Right off the bat, we’ll say thank you for beverages,
Mission Hill donates wine and it gives us some leverage,
To lure you, to lull you, to get you involved,
Though you’re not here for drinks, to our mission you’re called! (right?)
As always—thirteen years now—Artona we thank,
Whole Foods for the cash we can take to the bank.
Il Centro for being our stalwart home base,
And Modo for getting our team to each place.
For sweet auction prizes, Chef Tret of Miantiao,
Goodridge & Williams Distilling, what a prize! Simply wow!
A few of our allies helped spread the word widely,
Chefs Table, Les Dames, SVP—thanks obligingly.
Our same dear four friends always help out with media,
Edible Vancouver, Jana Josue, Mavreen David--we see ya!
fiodesigns your design, as it graces our booklet,
Our words may be basic, but they sure don’t look it!
When farmers help out, it’s more moving than most,
Fresh Roots, Helmers, Klippers, it sure would be gauche…
Not to show our sincerest, heartfelt gratitude,
Zaklan Heritage—all of you—for donating food!
The Cache—I hope all of you sampled delights,
Its donors were many, though we set our sights…
On highlighting those who divert wasted food,
Cause isn’t it cool, that preservation attitude?
Big thanks for tonight, our highlights were many,
Thanks right off the bat, to Chef TJ Conwi.
Jeremy Fisher, the music that started our night,
Amber Bruce for teaching us cocktails done right.
Margaret Gallagher, your presence is simply required,
And though we’re on Zoom, you’re so nicely attired.
Farmer Gemma, Chef Phil for the interesting chat,
Collaborations like yours are just where it’s at.
We’ve got so many guests for events coming up!
I hope you don’t mind if we raise up a cup.
To Steph, and to Robin, to Devon, and Lori,
We can’t wait till you guide us and tell us your story.
Karima and Trixie, Linda, Amanda, and Matt,
Cassandra—each one of you, off come our hats!
As you teach, and you cook, and you quiz us with trivia,
Your talents are huge and we can’t wait to have ya!
Our staff and our board, though I say it each year,
We love you and truly you’re all why we’re here.
Volunteers too, we’re incredibly glad,
That you joined us and helped us. A good time was had!
With driving, and packing, and coordinating pick-ups,
You managed it all, with few to no hiccups!
Our usual thank you to dear SpencerCreo,
For providing our office, you truly are heroes.
A serious moment, to remember Ken Spencer,
A jovial, kind, and compassionate member…
Of the Growing Chefs family. His presence is missed.
His impact is felt through his generous gifts.
Amazing! We made it through all of the verses,
Thanks once again for opening your purses…
And hearts! To our cause, we are ever-so-grateful,
We’ll thank you in person, as soon as we’re able.
See you online at our next four events,
Now go drink your drinks, these thanks were intense!