From home-cooked meals to heartfelt leadership, Trish Smith keeps showing up for her community

A Community Rooted in Heart

Trish Smith was awarded the 2025 Soul of Central Oregon Award by Oregon Media during the 10th anniversary celebration of Bend Magazine. Surrounded by friends, family and local leaders on a stage across from Mirror Pond, Trish was recognized in the community she and her late husband, Bill Smith (1941 to 2022), helped shape.

Since arriving in Bend in July 1970 as a newlywed, Trish has played an integral role in the growth of the region. While Bill led major projects like Black Butte Ranch and the Old Mill District through Brooks Resources and William Smith Properties, Trish stood beside him as a steady partner and a passionate advocate for education, culture and community wellbeing.

She has served on the boards of the Oregon Community Foundation, a $1.8 billion endowment created by Oregon families including the Smiths, as well as Central Oregon Community College, Oregon Public Broadcasting and many others. Her leadership and generosity have helped shape the cultural and philanthropic fabric of Central Oregon.

The Soul of Central Oregon Award honors people who give selflessly to make this region stronger and more connected. Trish exemplifies that spirit through decades of work focused on sustainable, community-first projects. Simply put, she is the soul of Central Oregon. And now, she is feeding us too.

Feeding My Friends

Published in 2024, Feeding My Friends is Trish Smith’s cookbook, a labor of love, with more than with more than 200 recipes rooted in gatherings, memories and her signature brand of warm hospitality. It reflects decades spent entertaining in Bend and a lifetime of inspiration from her childhood in Washington’s Yakima Valley to her travels in France and Italy.

Whether it is a backyard dinner or a long lunch with friends, Trish brings flavor and thoughtfulness to every plate. Her Limoncello Spritzer (p. 16) puts a light spin on the classic Italian liqueur, while her Greek Salad (p. 82) is a juicy, crunchy, feta-filled celebration of summer produce.

For something warm or chilled, Spring Pea and Mint Soup (p. 53) is a fresh favorite. Her Chicken Piccata (p. 93) brings buttery lemon and caper goodness to the main course, and Green Beans with Shallot and Lemon (p. 175) is the kind of side that quietly steals the show.

With stories tucked between recipes and generations of gatherings behind every dish, Feeding My Friends is full of heart. Trish remains active in the Old Mill District through William Smith Properties, travels regularly with family and friends, and is a dedicated member of the Bend Study Club, a century-old group focused on exploring current events and cultural topics.

You can find the cookbook at the Ticket Mill, BUDD + FINN, Kara’s Kitchenware and Greg’s Grill in the Old Mill District, as well as Newport Market, Market of Choice, Dudley’s Books, Roundabout Books, the Pine Tavern restaurant, Borgo Rosati and online at OldMillDistrict.com.