On March 1st, the 4Roots Farm Campus came alive for our annual Friends of the Farm celebration. Under the warm glow of string lights around the Red Barn and along a long table nestled within our Food Forest, more than 200 supporters gathered for an evening that blended community, purpose, and the beauty of the land we steward together. As stories were shared by the 4Roots team, one feeling echoed throughout the night: we are here because of a community that believes in this work and lifts it forward. Surrounded by the very ground where learning, growing, and healing happen daily, our guests were reminded that food is more than nourishment—it’s a catalyst for connection, well-being, and lasting change.
The culinary experience was a true highlight of the evening, brought to life by an extraordinary lineup of chefs who each carry deep expertise and heart for their craft. Chef Hari Pulapaka, founder of Global Cooking School and Director of Culinary Health Education at the Culinary Health Institute; Chef Michael Cooper, chef-partner of The Osprey and Osteria Ester; Chef Nikk Burton, Executive Chef at The Monroe; 4Rivers Executive Pastry Chef Jenny Deutsch; and Chef Derek Perez, Culinary Director for 4Rivers Smokehouse—all collaborated to create a multi-course open-fire meal using ingredients sourced directly from local farms. Their collective talent transformed the evening into a celebration of seasonal flavor, artistry, and the spirit of communal dining.
Throughout the night, generosity filled the air. Together, our guests helped raise funds to strengthen and expand 4Roots’ programs. One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was our Grand Give, where our community united to support the growth of culinary health education—hands-on learning that teaches children and families the connection between food and well-being, and equips them with lifelong skills to make healthier choices. Through your support, we exceeded our $30,000 goal which will directly enable us to bring these transformative opportunities to more students across our region.
The live auction added energy and excitement, offering unforgettable experiences that sparked friendly competition and joyful bidding. Guests vied for a private fireside dinner for 12 with Chef John Rivers on the farm, an all-access sports package featuring premier games and VIP moments, an exclusive couples’ retreat at the private Gilchrist Club, and a six-night getaway to Tuscany—each experience contributing to the impact we are able to make moving forward.
The evening was made possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity and partnership of our sponsors, whose belief in 4Roots amplifies our reach and strengthens our work. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Phillips Charities as our Presenting Sponsor, AdventHealth for powering the outdoor kitchen experience, and Disney for elevating the event through creative elements and the photo op. We also thank our Sustaining Sponsors—Winter Park Health Foundation, DeAngelis Diamond Foundation, Lowndes, Orlando Health, Jack Jennings & Sons, and Regions—along with our Seed Sponsors: JPMorgan Chase & Co., Dix Hite, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, and Florida Citrus Sports. Our heartfelt thanks extend as well to SEC Security, Crooked Can, and Goodwill for their generous in-kind contributions.
As the evening came to a close and guests lingered under the twinkling lights, the sense of shared purpose was unmistakable. Friends of the Farm is more than an annual event—it is a reminder of what becomes possible when people come together around a vision for healthier communities and a more resilient food system. The seeds planted on March 1st will continue to take root, growing into opportunities, programs, and pathways that nurture the well-being of our region for years to come.
We are profoundly grateful for everyone who joined us and supported this year’s celebration. Your presence, generosity, and belief in what we are building make all the difference. We cannot wait to welcome you back to the farm again next year.