10th Annual Harvest for Hope

The 10th Annual Harvest for Hope is the Emilio Nares Foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, supporting low-income, underprivileged families whose children are battling cancer. Founder Richard and Diane Nares lost their only child, Emilio Nares, to cancer. Turning tragedy to hope, the Nares family created the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF). The event on Sunday, September 22 from 3 to 6pm will brings together some of San Diego's finest chefs from 17 participating restaurants to create unique dishes paired with some of the finest wines and spirits. Founder Richard and Diane Nares lost their only child, Emilio Nares, to cancer. Turning tragedy to hope, the Nares family created the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF).

Who: The Nares family's foundation will honor cancer survivor Randi Hosking, Owner of Indigo Salon and Spa, with a special performance by Southern California's trumpet virtuoso, Gilbert Castellanos and the Sensational Strings. Harvest for Hope will be MC'd by Carla Cecchetto, KFMB/CBS8 Evening News Anchor.

When: Sunday, September 22, 3-6pm.

Where: Stingaree
454 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101


Harvest for Hope Timeline

2003: The Emilio Nares Foundation established itself as a formal 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income, unprivileged families whose children are battling cancer in San Diego. At that same time, friends of the Nares family wanted to help; Ingrid Croce & Jim Rock of Croce’s Restaurant & Bar, Partner & Chef Antonio Friscia, Owners Michael and Victoria McGeath owners of former, Trattoria Acqua, and now Brooklyn Girl, and Owner & Executive Chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille, all got involved to start the first annual fundraiser, Harvest for Hope – a unique opportunity to enjoy delectable taste samplings of San Diego’s elite chefs, restaurants and wine distributors. Selected wines, craft beers, and Spirits from all over the world will be offered. The first Harvest for Hope raised approximately $50,000 for ENF. A the lovely ocean view home of Dr. Dawn DuCharme and Charlie Grebing

2004-2005: Harvest for Hope was hosted at gorgeous Bohannan Estate in Mission Hills. Acqua al 2 and Toast Enoteca, Owner and Chef Martin Gonzales and Owners Tami Ratliffe and Alison McGrath joined the Harvest for Hope family as a featured restaurants. Eve Selis, a local artist performed at the event for the first couple of years.

2007: Was the best year yet! The 4th annual Harvest for Hope was hosted at the stunning Rancho Santa Fe home of John and Nancy Jo Cappetta, taking the event to the next level and raising $125,000 for ENF. An additional 6 restaurants joined the team that year.

2008: Another great year despite the economy as the Grand Del Mar – San Diego Luxury Hotel hosted the 5th annual Harvest for Hope. ENF Board Member, Emily Deere, chaired the event again, raising $125,000 as we continued to add more elite restaurants in the San Diego community. This was the first year, Harvest for Hope was not hosted at a private residence.

2009: Proved to be a tough financial year for ENF and for the country. Harvest for Hope was hosted at the Abbey on Fifth. Paul Hastings, LLP and Marti Montbleau & Family joined the team as recognized sponsors. This year we only had 8 participating restaurants. The 4 same founders have continued to be part of Harvest for Hope, year after year. MC of the event was Leanne Kim.

2010: Starts the tradition of hosting Harvest for Hope at the dazzling Stingaree in downtown San Diego as we utilize all 3 floors, especially their rooftop oasis. Carlo Cecchectto, KFMB News 8 Anchor, joins the team as the first-ever, pro-bono, extremely generous and kind, MC of Harvest for Hope and continues to be the MC of Harvest for Hope.

2011-2012: Fabulous board members continue to Chair the event as the event raises about $90,000 each year at the Stingaree. In 2012, at Harvest for Hope, we were pleased to honor John and Nancy Jo Cappetta and Jeannie Ranglas for their consistent support and dedication to ENF and Harvest for Hope every year. Over 200 guests attended in 2012, making it the most highly attended Harvest for Hope to date.

2013: We hope to make this 10th anniversary of Harvest for Hope the best one yet! We are honoring Randi Hosking for her cancer advocacy in the community, especially for ENF, as she is a cancer survivor herself. Randi is the owner of Indigo Salon & Spa in Hillcrest. Special performances by Southern California’s trumpet virtuoso, Gilbert Castellanos, and a special performance from the Sensational Strings. This year we are proud to announce that our restaurant participation list has grown from 11 to 17. For the first time, Chairs of Harvest for Hope, are Richard and Diane Nares – couldn’t be more fitting as we together, celebrate 10 years of successfully providing programs and services for families whose children are battling cancer in San Diego.


Harvest for Hope Participating Chefs:

Chef Christian Graves of JSix at The Solamar Hotel
Chef de Cuisine Percy Oani of The Shores Restaurant
Chef Jeff Jackson of AR Valentine at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Chef Joe Busalacchi of Busalacchi’s A Modo Mio
Chef Pascal Vignau of Chandler’s at Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa
Elaine Palminteri Ardizzone of Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.
Hess Brewery
Ingrid Croce & Jim Rock of Croce’s Restaurant & Bar
Michael and Victoria McGeath, owners of former Trattoria Acqua and now Brooklyn Girl
Owner & Executive Chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grill
Owner Randy Smerik & Executive Chef Accursio Lota of Solare
Owners Sara Stroud & Chef Hanis Cavin of Carnitas Snack Shack
Partner & Chef Antonio Friscia of Gaijin and Stingaree
Searsucker Owners James Brennan, Chef Brian Malarkey and Executive Chef Jo Jo Ruiz