Our Vision

Party In-Kindness wants to change the way people see giving by making it easy, fun and meaningful for everyone. We have created an easy concept for giving back, paired with a simple way to collect donations. Through hosting everyday events, such as book club meetings, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and other events, people can give back to a local charitable organizations that are meaningful to them. Party In-Kindness brings the host, the private event, and a charitable purpose together. Instead of a bottle of wine or birthday gift, for example, when hosting a party invite guests to bring in-kind donations for a cause your passionate about. Party In-Kindness wants to turn everyone’s party into a “party in-kindness.”

About Us

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.

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 .

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.

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.

Liz Ball

Board Member

Raised in a small town in San Diego, my love for philanthropy and helping others began as a young girl.  While decorating residence doors for the holidays at our local convalescent home, I could feel love and gratitude radiating from the patients. I knew I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to help.  I credit my mom for leading by example and teaching me the importance of compassion and helping others.  With her guidance, I continued to volunteer throughout my primary and high school years.  I graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Accounting. I met my husband at USC and after graduation we lived and worked in San Francisco, New York and San Diego.  We eventually settled down in the Bay Area with our two sons.  I was fortunate to again be drawn into volunteering when my sons began school.   I served as auction chairperson at their elementary school for two years and then as president of the boosters club at their middle school.  I am currently a team manager for Boys Team Charity where I spend time volunteering with my kids.  Just as my mom did for me, I hope to instill in them a love for giving.

I have long admired the work that Melissa and Shani have put into Party in Kindness and I was honored when I was asked to join the board. I am excited to work with an amazing group of women and hope to bring my enthusiasm for giving to the organization. I especially look forward to serving those in need both in and around our wonderful community.

Stacey Blackman

Board Member

I was born and raised in New York, attended Binghamton University, and started my career in Accounting/Finance in New York City. My husband and I moved to San Francisco in 2004 looking for a new adventure and fresh opportunities. After spending many long days and nights working at Ernst & Young and Goldman Sachs, it was time to settle down in the wonderful community of Alamo with my husband and, now, two daughters, Haley (14) and Alexis (12). The Bay Area community has been so welcoming to this fast paced city girl! I absolutely fell in love with the vision and mission of Party in Kindness from the first time Melissa shared it with me. I am passionate about giving back and am actively involved in many local community initiatives, including National Charity League, coaching/managing my daughters' sports teams, our HOA Board, our school PTA, Northern California Celiac Association, RH Helping Hands and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Being able to enrich the lives of others has always been a passion of mine. I love teaching my girls the importance of charity and philanthropy and about giving first, and not expecting in return. I cherish the opportunity to work with this wonderful group of philanthropic women at Party in Kindness. It is not about how much we give, but how much we put into giving.