Our Mission
Party In-Kindness bridges the gap by transforming gatherings into impactful opportunities that ensure those in need receive the support, resources and kindness they deserve. Our goal is to provide everyday essentials to individuals, primarily women and children, who are facing economic hardship and struggling to meet their needs.
Giving with Kindness
"Our family has partnered with Party In-Kindness for the last 3 years and we have found the experience to be tremendously worthwhile and inspiring. We have always wanted to expose our children to philanthropy at a young age and this is the perfect organization to partner with. Shani and Melissa make it easy and seamless! With children, it is not enough to talk about "doing good" but instead showing and getting them actively involved with giving back. PIK has been a key part of our philanthropic efforts and we are lucky to have them in our community!"
— Alex Lee, PIK Donor
Our Vision
Party In-Kindness is dedicated to turning every gathering into an opportunity to give, making generosity the heart of every celebration. We encourage hosts to infuse their events with purpose by inviting guests to contribute in-kind and/or monetary donations that support local causes in the area. No matter the size of the gathering, we help bring people together in the spirit of giving and kindness for others.
Our vision is to make giving easy, fun, and deeply impactful. Through a simple yet powerful approach, Party In-Kindness enables hosts to incorporate philanthropy into events like book club meetings, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations. Instead of traditional gifts, guests are invited to bring donations that support causes close to the host’s heart. Your party can:
Help foster kids receive bags full of clothes, shoes and toiletries.
Help kids have a good start to the school year with new backpacks and supplies.
Help moms feel special on Mother’s Day with gift bags full of self-care items.
Help the homeless get warm meals during the winter.
Help babies get diapers and wipes when they need it most.
Help kids get toys to open during the holidays.
Any many more areas of need.
By seamlessly blending social gatherings with charitable giving, we inspire a culture where every event has the power to make a difference. With Party In-Kindness, every celebration becomes a chance to give back and turn moments of joy into acts of kindness.
About the Cofounders
Melissa Smith & Shani Hall
It all started when the thought that sometimes our small, everyday actions can make the biggest impact on another human being without even knowing it. Melissa experienced this firsthand when her daughter was undergoing surgery at only six days old. Someone she did not know knit a lavender hat for her daughter and she wore that beautiful hat throughout her recovery. The warmth of knowing a person could have that kind of selfless generosity touched Melissa’s heart forever and she knew one day she would pay it forward somehow.
That day came when two friends unsuspectingly got together for a normal play date; and while their children played, a seed was planted. Shani was inspired by Melissa’s passion for charity. She always knew that she wanted to be a part of something that could not only have a large impact on her and her children’s life, but the lives of many in need. Thus began their partnership, and as their ideas blossomed, Party In-Kindness was created.
Melissa Smith
Cofounder
I was raised in Rhode Island, attended Boston University, and started a successful sales career in New York City; that was the path that lead me to where I am today. My parents always instilled in my siblings and me a sense of adventure, encouraging us to explore the world outside of our small town, while still appreciating where we’ve been and where we came from. It was with this gumption that I traveled the East Coast, and eventually moved to California with my husband, who was born and raised here in Alamo, and where we have lived since 2008. An East Coast girl at heart, I was struck by the amount of warmth with which this community welcomed me. Through this journey, I have come to feel very fortunate for many reasons, but I haven’t reached my destination yet. I want to enrich the lives of others who are less fortunate; to show my children how to help others; and to give back to the community that has given us all so much.
Shani Hall
Cofounder
So many elements of my family background have made me the person I am today. My mother came to America from Korea at the age of 15, and my father was raised by his mother from Arkansas on very modest means in Chicago. As a single father, my dad raised me to focus on education and always believe I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. Even so, I never forgot how past generations have helped me reach where I am today. At the University of Michigan, I studied Organizational Psychology and Behavior to pursue a career in Human Resources. It was in college that I met and married my husband. Soon after, I decided to continue my education and graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters in Labor and Human Resources. After living and working throughout the Midwest, we settled in Alamo, with our two sons. We immediately felt connected to the area as we planted our roots and now consider California home. I know how truly blessed I am and look forward to connecting and sharing with the local community and giving back in new, exciting ways.
Jennifer Lucchese
Board Member
I was born and raised in Belmont, California, in a Catholic household where giving back to the community was a core value. I attended UCLA and was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, where I actively participated in philanthropy and service work.
After college, I joined Sephora’s corporate office, where I’ve built my career over the past 22 years. I currently serve as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising for the hair category, a role that allows me to lead with both creativity and strategy in a space I’m passionate about.
My husband, John, and I live in Walnut Creek with our three wonderful kids—Sofia, Luke, and Leo. I’ve loved being involved in our community through the Alamo Elementary PTA and other local initiatives. Now, as my children grow more independent, I’m excited to expand my commitment to service through Party In Kindness and continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Shanelle Reese
Board Member
Born and raised in Oakland, I come from a family deeply rooted in service and community. My maternal grandfather served as a bishop, and my maternal grandmother was a first lady, instilling in me the values of leadership and compassion from an early age. My paternal grandmother's journey from El Salvador to the United States in the 1940s as a domestic servant is a testament to resilience and determination, qualities that have profoundly shaped my own path.
I currently reside in Concord with my husband and our two children, a son and a daughter. My academic journey led me to earn a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Human Resources. These educational experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the professional world.
I have had the privilege of serving as Chief People Officer at two mission-driven EdTech companies, where I championed initiatives that align with my family's legacy of service. Service and serving others is a gift not only passed down from generation to generation, but it is embedded into who we are and the professional roles we take on.
As the current Head of Operations for a nonprofit organization, I am dedicated to giving back to my community and making a difference in the lives of those in need. My commitment to service is not just a professional endeavor; it is a personal mission to uplift and support those around me.
Tara Gilad
Board Member
Being a Bay Area native my whole life, I’m now proud to be raising my son and daughter with my husband here in Alamo, CA. Volunteering has always been a natural part of my personality and strive to always help others whenever I can. Party In-Kindness aligns perfectly with my philosophy on giving back and I couldn’t be more proud to be serving on their Board. I’m proud to teach my children about giving back and having them involved in the incredible events Party In-Kindness throws. I love working within my community and learning about other communities and organizations in the Bay Area. With a successful career over the last 25 years, I’ve been an entrepreneur focused on starting, operating, and selling businesses. I have been President and Secretary of the Board of Directors for Vitality Bowls Enterprises since inception in 2011. Last year I sold, Utopia Tanning & Spa, which I founded and operated for over 11 years. Prior to Utopia I owned an accounting and finance recruiting agency for almost 4 years in Santa Clara, which I sold back in 2010. I have a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications with a Health Science Minor from Chico State.
Teyonna Bowman
Board Member
As a child my parents always taught my siblings and I the importance of loving others and giving back to the community that provided for us. By the time I was a pre-teen I developed a passion for volunteering at our local homeless shelter because it was a chance to get lost in crafting while also being humbled by the love and joy of the children that I spent time with. After graduating from the University of Michigan, I continued to pursue my interest in education and closing the achievement gap regardless of background by becoming a youth mentor. This proved to be a rewarding experience and when the opportunity to serve as a member of the board of Party In-kindness presented itself I enthusiastically accepted it. I am a Sales manager by trade but understand the importance of networking and connecting with people of all walks of life regardless of where we are in our lives. The work that Party In-Kindness has done and the awareness that it is spreading within the community it serves not only reflects this value but is an example of everyday altruism. I look forward to contributing to the thought leadership that the founders of Party In-Kindness bring and plan to participate in events that expose my children and others to the depth and diversity of our culture.
Wendy Kano
Board Member
Born in Hong Kong and raised in the Bay Area since I was 1.5 years old, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the communities that shaped me—from Oakland and Richmond to my time at UC Berkeley. That foundation instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and a lifelong commitment to service. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with organizations like Alpha Phi Omega, the American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, and the Contra Costa Food Bank—each experience reinforcing the importance of giving back and staying grounded in community.
Joining the Board of Party In-Kindness is both an honor and a meaningful next step in my journey. The organization’s mission aligns closely with my values, and I’m especially proud to share this work with my children, who actively participate in local events and are growing up with a heart for service.
Professionally, I bring more than two decades of experience leading transformational change across a wide range of companies—from startups to global enterprises—through roles based in Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. My focus has always been on building strong, efficient organizations by driving meaningful process improvements and fostering a culture of continuous growth. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Business Administration, and I’m certified as a Master Black Belt and Black Belt in Six Sigma.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to help Party In-Kindness expand its impact, reach new communities, and inspire more to take part in giving back. I believe real change starts with small acts of kindness, consistent effort, and a shared vision for something better. I’m proud to be part of this Board and look forward to the work we’ll do together.
Leeron Stark Resnick
Director Nashville Chapter & Board Member
Born in Brooklyn to parents who had just immigrated to the United States from Israel, my family quickly relied on others to help assimilate. After moving to the suburbs of Philadelphia, I quickly learned how fortunate my family was while also being acutely aware of the needs throughout our community and surrounding communities. I attended Boston University, pursued a career in advertising and worked for a variety of agencies in New York. Then I had the opportunity to volunteer and travel to Israel as a guide for Birthright Israel, a foundation that sponsors trips to Israel for future generations of young Jewish adults. This experience motivated me to become a teacher, and to this end, I returned to Philadelphia to pursue a Master’s degree in Education from Arcadia University. I began my teaching career as an elementary school teacher in the Philadelphia School District in an under resourced, low income school. This experience highlighted for me the critical need to give back to our communities, and more specifically, to give children the necessary tools to unlock opportunities. During this time I met and married my husband Matt. Soon after we got married we relocated to Nashville for Matt to complete his medical training at Vanderbilt University.
I began teaching at an affluent private school, which opened my eyes even more to inequality, particularly given the stark contrast to my prior teaching experience in Philadelphia. Since becoming a mother to our two little boys Blake (9) and Reese (6), I have put teaching on hold to focus on them. We have tried to instill in our children to appreciate what they have, as well as have a deep acknowledgement that others are not so fortunate. Bringing Party In-Kindness’ mission to Nashville will help shine a light on the importance of giving in our community and will undoubtedly help those in need. I firmly believe all acts of kindness - no matter how big or small - can change a life forever.
Janna Chollet
Nashville Chapter Board Member
I was born in Chicago and grew up moving cities often (over 10 times!) due to my Father's job. One of our moves was overseas where I attended an American curriculum school with students from around the globe. Being in classes with other kids from Spain, Japan, Tunisia, Kuwait and Colombia, to name a few, made me acutely aware of how different our backgrounds were but how similar we are at our core; supporting each other so that we all feel supported is paramount to the human experience. Now, living and working in Nashville with two small children I am humbled by the opportunity and responsibility we have as parents to teach our children the importance of kindness and supporting others in our community. For those reasons, I believe wholeheartedly in the work that PIK does, the support it provides our community and the lessons it provides for all involved whether that's as a participant, host or a contributor.