Trish Smith was awarded the 2025 “Soul of Central Oregon Award” from Oregon Media at the 10th-anniversary celebration of Bend Magazine. Surrounded by friends, family and local leaders, she was honored on a stage across from Mirror Pond in the community she and her husband Bill Smith (1941-2022) helped to create.
Since moving to Bend in July of 1970 as a newlywed, Trish has been involved in many of the nonprofits and organizations that benefit people and places synonymous with Bend. While leading Brooks Resources and William Smith Properties, Bill was instrumental in developing Black Butte Ranch and the Old Mill District in Bend and Trish was by his side.
Trish devoted decades to supporting the community by championing higher education, the arts and culture, public broadcasting and, more recently, the culinary arts. She has served on the boards of the Oregon Community Foundation, a $1.8 billion endowment created by Oregon individuals and families, including the Smiths; Central Oregon Community College; Oregon Public Broadcasting and many more.
Those fortunate enough to have gathered around Trish’s table know her for her warm hospitality and exceptional cooking. Her cookbook Feeding My Friends, published in 2024, was inspired by the legacy of Julia Child and shaped by Trish’s extensive travels, particularly in France and Italy. Never one to rest on her laurels, Trish remains active in the Old Mill District through William Smith Properties. She spends several weeks each year traveling with friends and family, and is a dedicated member of the Bend Study Club, a century-old group devoted to exploring current events and cultural topics.
The Soul of Central Oregon Award honors people who embody the heart and soul of the community by giving selflessly to make Central Oregon a better place. It shines a light on the effect one individual can have to build community, and motivates each of us to make our own contributions to Bend and our neighbors.
Learn more about Trish Smith. Our 2024 Soul of Central Oregon recipient, Mike Hollern.
Read more about Bill Smith and his life’s work devoted to Bend, Oregon.
