Savannah's Organic Ranch Honors Its 'Angel' During Annual Tournament

Hundreds came out Thursday for the 5th Annual Golf Tournament at the Aliso Viejo Country Club.

The event, which touches the hearts of many in the city, was the first tournament and largest fundraiser for the foundation since the approval of a 24-acre land lease in Aliso Viejo. The land, along Wood Canyon near Soka University, will one day be the home of an organic ranch, learning center and community garden.

The dream behind the ranch began with Joe and Lisa Sachen's daughter Savannah. During her battle with a rare form of cancer -- cardiac sarcoma, or cancer of the heart -- Savannah became passionate about organic farming and healthy eating. Her dream was to open an organic farm so other children and families could benefit from the food that made her feel better while undergoing cancer treatments. Before she died, her parents promised to get her the ranch of her dreams.

Thursday's golf tournament brought them another step closer.

Aliso Viejo City Council Member Carmen Cave spoke during the dinner, expressing the city's support of the project. There is a long road ahead, but she was confident Aliso Viejo would be the home of Savannah's Ranch.

"The city wants to make sure your dream becomes a reality. It's not easy, but we have some ideas," Cave said. "We are going to make this happen."

The day began with the golf tournament, filled with sponsors like Whole Foods, Moms in Charge and Professional Community Management. For the fifth year in a row, the tournament sold out with 144 players and welcomed even more to the Hawaiian-style dinner and entertainment that evening.

“A little sun would have been nice with our Hawaiian theme, but the tournament was great,” said Bob Rieden, chairman of the Savannah's Organic Ranch Board.

According to Aliso Viejo Community Association President Ross Chun, this was the largest SOR tournament yet.

"I received a text message from Joe at 4:23 a.m. this morning saying, 'I just got home.' They were at the office preparing for today," Chun said. "They work very hard for this."

Donny Disbro, CEO of Professional Community Management, said he feels a personal connection to this foundation.

"I have an 8-year-old at home and [Savannah's story] just breaks my heart," he said. "This event aligns well with my family and what our company does to bring people together."

Many tears were shed throughout the evening as the group shared stories of Savannah and friends who have both won and lost their battles with cancer. Savannah's sister Josie sang one of her big sister's favorite songs, "Over the Rainbow." Rachel Wall, Savannah's best friend, sang a song from the musical Wicked, which the girls saw together before Savannah's death.

"When I heard the lyrics to this song, I knew it would be played at Savannah's memorial," Lisa Sachen said.

 “I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives for a reason,
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are led,
To those who help us most to grow,
If we let them.
And we help them in return.”
— Lyrics from "For Good" from Wicked

Le Polynesia also performed for the crowd, adding to the Hawaiian Islands theme—a special place for the Sachen family and the location where Savannah's ashes were spread.

The night honored those who have devoted their time and support to the cause behind Savannah's Organic Ranch and spread hope for the future—a future free from pediatric cancer and enriched with healthy lifestyles.

Read more about Savannah's life and the mission of growth set forth by foundation created in her memory.