Guy Fieri, the renowned celebrity chef, highlighted the incredible power of food to bring people from diverse backgrounds together with his famous quote: "Cooking is all about people. Food may be the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat." Today, we'll delve into how we harnessed this universal connection as we utilized a meticulously curated menu to express our care for the conference attendees at Benchmarks’ Destination 2023.
Poetically, this year's conference unfolded within the splendid Harrah’s Conference Center in Cherokee, NC, a venue that also houses a restaurant bearing Guy Fieri's name.
The event commenced with an exclusive session for Benchmarks members, accompanied by a sit-down dinner. What participants may not have immediately realized was that the salad served carried a profound tribute to the Cherokee land we were honored to visit. Our Tsali Salad was an homage to Tsali, a renowned Cherokee leader who valiantly fought to preserve the ancestral land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Each day began with a "Country Forest" breakfast, allowing everyone to start their day right while relishing the breathtaking beauty of the mountains that surrounded us.
Knowing that conference days can be lengthy, we thoughtfully arranged an array of fun-filled snacks for our attendees. Among them, the "Olde Time Picture Show" garnered immense popularity. Given the distinguished keynote speakers, including Danny Trejo, Lauren Potter, and Patch Adams, whose work is deeply intertwined with advocacy for vulnerable populations, it was fitting to recognize how Hollywood influences positive change. We heard stories of those who use their personal lives to make a difference while being challenged and inspired to continue our vital work.
Yet, one of the greatest crowd-pleasers among our snacks was the "Chocolate Decadence." As Linda Grayson aptly put it, "There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." That's precisely what we aimed to provide at this year's Benchmarks’ Destination 2023—an opportunity for friends and colleagues to come together to problem-solve, innovate, and create.
We eagerly look forward to welcoming you all next year, with the promise of more delectable food to nourish your stomachs, souls, and minds.
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