Co-Chairs: Tamara Lafarga-Joseph & MJ Wittman

Lafarga-Joseph, an artist and entrepreneur, previously chaired the Art of Fashion and now serves on The Country Friends Board of Directors, and is also board chair of Visions Global Empowerment, an international nonprofit. Named a Woman of Dedication by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary for her community service, she also supports the Vision of Children Foundation, Miracle Babies, Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, and many more nonprofits. She was featured in the book, She Who Inspires: Philanthropic Women Changing the World from San Diego.

Wittman has co-chaired the Miracle Babies “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” luncheon as well as the nonprofit’s “Night in Venice” gala. She has also  been actively involved with Vision of Children, Tea3 Foundation, National Charity League, and Father Joe’s Villages, as well as church and school groups. She navigates life’s challenges with grace and uses her talents to uplift others. Wittman’s passion for floral design led her to found Fleuressence, a high-end event planning business.

Honorary Chair: Joan Waitt

Waitt, a mother of four, is a businesswoman and generous philanthropist. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, her mother died in childbirth when Joan was just two years old. She credits her late father for keeping the family of five children together and teaching them to give back to community. “He’s the reason I do what I do,” she once said, referring to her many charitable causes. For years, she has hosted the “Dream On Concert Gala” at her hilltop estate in La Jolla to benefit Promises2Kids which provides support for foster youth in San Diego County. She has also funded the Family Justice Center, Becky’s House, and Rady Children’s Hospital, to name just a few.