San FAANcisco Soiree

The Caldwell Snyder Gallery in San Francisco recently opened its doors for a private event honoring FAAN, the Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network, and to honor the FAAN CEO Julia E. Bradsher, along with the newest National Boardmember Mireille Schwartz.

Senator Mark Leno with the evening’s honorees

Based in Washington D.C., FAAN is the world’s largest leading non-profit allergy resource, and works with policymakers on federal, state, and local initiatives in areas such as food labeling, epinephrine availability, and management of food allergies in schools, camps, airlines, and restaurants.

San Francisco Chronicle’s Carolyne Zinko with Chef Michael Woodward

Executive chef Michael Woodward, of MW in Ross, prepared a special allergen-free menu for the evening, which thoughtfully excluded eggs, milk/dairy, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, to demonstrate that a beautiful meal can be created for over 100 people that is sensitive to a wide range of allergens and health issues.

Duo DJs Wunder & Keltec of Crash-It Productions

A few surprises of the evening included: a spectacular DJ Set by Crash-It Production’s dynamic duo DJ Wunder & DJ Keltec, a moving FAAN video message featuring Mireille and her daughter Charlotte Jude – both of whom have severe food allergies, a new exhibit of paintings by artist Melissa Chandon, a FAAN Award of Appreciation for San Francisco Luxury Living’s Damion Matthews, and Senatorial Certificates of Recognition to the night’s two honorees presented by Senator Mark Leno.