My favorite memories, both as a child and as a parent of three, revolve around picnicking.

On most weekends growing up in Los Altos Hills, my parents (a doctor and a nurse) would prepare bagged lunches, gather supplies, pack the car and head out to Foothill Park or Half Moon Bay for a day in the great outdoors. It was our most fun time to connect as a family, while taking advantage of the diverse, beautiful scenery the Bay Area had to offer. The tradition continued with my husband and children - where we spent weekends sprawled as the “Fab Five” or with a larger group of family and friends.

My love of picnicking grew stronger during these past years of social distancing - when outdoor gatherings were not only the safest option, but the most appealing one. Adults and children alike leaned into the joy of human connection again and doubled down on their appreciation for the outdoor lifestyle California affords us.

Anyone that’s enjoyed a picnic, also knows how much work goes into making it happen. It takes time to pick and pack the food. It takes physical strength to haul the supplies to a scenic spot. To make it special - or at least picture-worthy - it requires more than solo cups and zip-locked sandwiches.

With years of philanthropy event planning under my belt, I founded The Picnic Connection to bring elevated, outdoor dining experiences to my community - providing special and care-free moments for connection.