Sixteenth Annual Hand to Hand Luncheon
December 18, 2007

Project Open Hand's Sixteenth Annual Hand to Hand Luncheon, held at the San Francisco Marriott on December 18, 2007, hosted over 860 guests and raised over $366,000 for Project Open Hand's meal and nutrition services. Scott Seligman, President, Seligman Western Enterprises, was this year’s Event Chair. Kate Kelly of KPIX Channel 5 returned as the Master of Ceremonies and delighted the crowd. This year’s event honored AT&T, The Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, Fox Sports Network and the San Francisco Giants.

Hand to Hand began with a cocktail reception featuring SKYY Vodka cosmopolitans and the Silent Auction, which included airline tickets, hotel stays, fine dining, wine and spa certificates and was a huge success. As always, Hand to Hand featured food prepared by thirteen of the finest chefs in the Bay Area, including Khai Duong of Ana Mandara, Mark Dommen of One Market Restaurant, Annie Somerville of Greens Restaurant, Robert Petzold of Ponzu, Paul Arenstam of Americano, Janine Falvo of Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar, Michael Baroman-Coggins of Project Open Hand, Charles Phan of The Slanted Door, Paul Piscopo of XYZ Restaurant, David Thompson of Grand Café, Ellie Nelson of Jardinière, James Irby of Kuleto’s and Keith Jeanminette of the San Francisco Marriott. Dinner was accompanied with fine wines from Clos Du Val and W. & J. Graham’s Port. The event ended with an exciting live auction for a trip for six to Las Vegas on a private jet! San Francisco Magazine and the San Francisco Business Times were the media sponsors and Monica DuClaud once again designed the invitation and recipe booklet.

Project Open Hand would like to thank all the chefs, sponsors, both cash as well as in-kind, and volunteers who helped make Hand to Hand a success. To order a 2007 Hand to Hand Recipe Book for $5 please e-mail Angela Rauch directly with your request.

Here are some images from the event. Click on any image for a larger version.

Master of Ceremonies Kate Kelly, CBS 5 TV, welcomed all of the 860 attendees as Project Open Hand’s Board Chair Minna Tao and Project Open Hand’s Executive Director Tom Nolan applauded the start of a wonderful event.	Hand to Hand volunteers busily helped Annie Somerville of Greens Restaurant plate her Artichoke and Pine Nut Puff Pastry with Parmesan and Winter Greens Fennel Salad.
Guests feasted on one of the four delectable appetizers.	The SKYY Vodka was ready for the annual cocktail reception opening the event.
A silent auction bidder listened closely as longtime Hand to Hand volunteer Don Voodre answered her question. People enjoyed bidding on over 80 items in three categories; fine dining, wine and pamper yourself.	The crowd listened intently to the Project Open Hand client speaker, Lori Wong.
Lori Wong was greeted by her family after her moving speech about Project Open Hand and our “Meals with Love.”	Pastry Chef Ellie Nelson (far right) of Jardinière briefed her staff.
Hand to Hand volunteers eagerly wait to start setting up the ballroom for guest entry.	Director of Special Events Jared Scherer doing the final sound and lighting check.
Chef Mark Dommen (far right) of One Market Restaurant starts preparing his Dungeness Crab and Asian Pear Salad.	Guests arrived in the San Francisco Marriott’s ballroom ready to feast on the wonderful food provided by thirteen Chefs and sip the wonderful wines provided by Clos du Val and W.J. Graham’s Port.