volunteer
event co-chairs
CHARA BURNETT
Chara has over a decade of experience running independent events for executives at public companies, venture capital firms, and large fundraisers. Prior to residing in Palo Alto in 2001, Chara spent 6 years in Boston where she worked in Management Consulting. She currently lives in Palo Alto and has two children in the PAUSD school systems. Chara joined the event committee because her work, kids and social life don't keep her busy enough. Quote: "There is something genuinely magical that happens when our community comes together for a shared experience like the Ball. We're making memories that last a lifetime."
MICHELLE TASER
Michelle has lived in Palo Alto for 30 years, during which time she was PTA President at Ohlone School, initiated Family Night Bingo, hosted Pancake Breakfasts, and raised her two boys plus all the neighborhood kids in her own backyard. As if that wasn't enough, Michelle is also recognized as one of the nation’s top Real Estate professionals by The Wall Street Journal. She's honored and thrilled to bring her love for our community and her deep local connections to the 2019 Ball. Quote "I've attended every single Palo Alto Black & White Ball and it's my absolute favorite community event!"
KRISTEN PODULKA
Kristen is an experienced marketing & advertising professional, working with both for-profit and non-profit organizations for 20 years, including the YMCA of Silicon Valley and Parent's Club of Palo Alto & Menlo Park. She's also an award winning copywriter and published blogger on Time.com. Originally from Michigan, Kristen moved to Palo Alto in 2011 with her husband, two kids, and Bob-the-Cat, where she's involved with the PTA at Fairmeadow School, League of Women Voters, Girl Scouts, Sister District, R.I.S.E. PAUSD Task Force, and Greenmeadow Community Association. Kristen joined the event committee because her party-planning aspirations go beyond her kid's birthday parties. Quote: "Ain't no party like a Palo Alto party, cause a Palo Alto party don't stop."
MORA OOMMEN
Mora is an experienced nonprofit professional. She served as the Executive Director of Blossom Birth and Family, a nonprofit for new and expectant families in Palo Alto, CA. Mora has served on a number of local boards including the California Ave Area Business Association, The Mothers Symposium and The Palo Alto Recreation Foundation. She loves supporting the community in Palo Alto that is home to her husband, daughter and dog! #lovepaloalto
Planning Committee
Born and raised in the Peninsula, Emily is beyond excited to be partnering with PARF to bring back the party of the year! As the Director of Marketing and Audience Development at Embarcadero Media, she couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the Palo Alto Weekly's 40th Anniversary than to be a part of this epic event. She brings over a decade of marketing experience to the planning committee and has played a vital role in the advertising strategy. Come celebrate four decades of award-winning journalism at the Palo Alto Weekly's step-and-repeat photo booth, VIP Lounge and historical display of some of the Palo Alto Weekly's notable stories.
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Lynn Grant Design has created entertainment settings in the Bay Area and beyond since 2009. With work in Scenic, Event and Production Design, Ms. Grant has helped create conceptual corporate and charitable parties, as well as, settings for local theater productions. Her background in graphic and set design makes her a great fit for events that need both 2- and 3-dimensional planning. You can see more of her work at https://lynngrantdesign.com
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Floral Designer Katherine Glazier is bringing her exceptional talents to this year's Palo Alto Black & White Ball. Katherine and her team will create custom floral arrangements, sure to enhance the ambiance of the Ball. In her designs, she prefers to use seasonal and domestically grown material with an emphasis on the beauty of California grown floriculture. Katherine is a New Englander by birth, a Californian by choice. It was in her backyard garden in Palo Alto where her love of flowers and plants blossomed and she found her way to flower design. She currently teaches classes at the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Center in Palo Alto. In addition to teaching classes, she also designs floral arrangements for Gamble Garden and exhibits at the deYoung Museum's Bouquets to Art, and other Bay Area venues. Visit her website http://www.kjglazierdesign.com and follow her on Instagram: kjglazierdesign
The Black & White Ball is organized by the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation (PARF), in partnership with the City of Palo Alto and The Palo Alto Weekly. PARF is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) tax status. All contributions are fully tax deductible. Our tax identification number is 77-0187810. All proceeds from the Ball directly support PARF in funding a wide range of events and programs in and around the city of Palo Alto.
© 2019 Palo Alto Recreation Foundation, All rights reserved
