Smile Farms Drives Opportunity at 12th Annual Golf Outing
May 22, 2026Smile Farms Names Justin Hayashi 2026 Growing Together Gala Honoree
Jericho, New York, July 14, 2026. Smile Farms is proud to announce Justin Hayashi, founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Engen, as the honoree for its Growing Together Gala on November 19 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
Hayashi is being recognized for his leadership and longstanding commitment to expanding pathways for individuals facing barriers to employment and greater independence.
“At Smile Farms, we’ve always believed that when caring people come together, they create opportunities that change lives,” said Jim McCann, Founder and Chairman of Smile Farms. “Justin Hayashi embodies that spirit. He understands that lasting success is built on strong relationships and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. We’re grateful to have Justin standing with us as we continue our mission of creating meaningful employment and brighter futures for those with developmental disabilities.”
Hayashi founded New Engen, a Seattle-based digital marketing agency, in 2016 and has grown it into a firm of more than 450 employees. The company’s emphasis on building strong teams and investing in its people has made supporting Smile Farms a natural fit.
“Smile Farms’ impact on the people and communities they serve is exactly the kind of mission New Engen looks to support — practical, hands-on, and focused on real outcomes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand with them again this year and to represent New Engen as this year’s gala honoree,” said Hayashi.
Under Hayashi’s leadership, New Engen has earned a reputation for delivering accountable, measurable marketing while helping clients scale responsibly. Before founding the agency, he led marketing analytics and media at Zulily, overseeing customer acquisition through the company’s initial public offering and early growth.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hayashi has dedicated significant time and resources to expanding access for individuals facing systemic barriers. He previously served on the board of Transitional Resources, an organization that provides housing, employment, and recovery support to low-income individuals with mental illness.
Through partnerships with leaders like Hayashi, Smile Farms continues to expand its impact and increase access to meaningful employment and vocational training opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Smile Farms is the proud philanthropic partner of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., operating approximately 16 campus locations across Long Island and New York City in partnership with schools, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. Together, these partnerships provide vocational training and meaningful employment opportunities that help individuals with developmental disabilities build skills, confidence, and greater independence.
For more information about the Growing Together Gala, purchasing tickets, or becoming a sponsor, visit Smile Farms.
About Smile Farms
Smile Farms is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with developmental disabilities across Long Island and New York City.
For more information, visit www.smilefarms.org.