who we are

Do Good Events was founded in 2000 as Organic Events to fill a need for high-quality event production for non-profit organizations. Do Good Events has produced, launched, managed, or directed over 150 events, from 15 guests at intimate dinners to 3,500 people at formal awards programs. 

Do Good Events works exclusively with non-profits, foundations, and social innovators. We are headquartered in the Bay Area, with clients based in San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley. We have produced events in New Orleans, Oslo, New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and everywhere in between.

Do Good Events produces high-impact events for the
organizations and people changing the world.

To work with DGE is to partner with a team of best-in-class event planning professionals who tend to each and every detail with style, grace, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The depth of relationships, the diversity of event planning and production, and the complete reliability that Marika and her team bring to each and every engagement is vital to executing seamless, mission-centered experiences that move hearts and minds, and philanthropy!

 Rachael Smith Fals | SVP | Futures Without Violence

When Marika was a little girl, she planned tea parties in her room, for which she would handwrite invitations that she slipped under her parents’ and brother’s doors. She required RSVPs for these events. At the same time, she was highly motivated by social change, and as a teenager, built a shanty in her high school courtyard with two schoolmates to protest Apartheid. Imagine her delight when she found a way to combine two passions: saving the world and planning exceptional parties! When she’s not producing events, she can be found hurtling down a hill – purposefully – on her mountain bike, trying desperately - though not always successfully - to stay out of the ER. Marika also works on chemical policy reform. Because chemicals suck and are bad for all of us. Her dog, Jake, oversees most of her work and is very pleased that DOG is in the name of her company.

Stephanie Alston | Lead Event Producer

Stephanie is a sixth-generation Texan who grew up organizing her neighborhood into science clubs, bike clubs, creek clean-up crews, and canvassers for Jerry's Kids and Sally Struthers. With her Texas-sized bleeding heart & determination, Stephanie moved to the Bay Area to be with kindred spirits, where she spent over 10 years working on environmental campaigns. After a 4-year stint running a successful international campaign to help protect forests in West Africa, Stephanie found the secret to happiness is in throwing a great party for a good cause. Stephanie has now been part of our team for over 17 years and specializes in motivating high-profile businesses, entertainment, and VIPs to partner with our clients. A favorite moment was working with Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said about Stephanie, “This woman does not rest! Her smile energizes us all."

Kate was raised in Sonoma County, lived abroad for several years, and has been back living in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2003. She has always been a creative woman starting in childhood as a dancer through University studying Cinematography and in her career as an event producer. Kate got started in the hotel industry in 2000 as a front desk agent; she loved getting to interact with a wide range of guests and having a different set of “clients'' each day. In 2005, Kate moved into a catering management role in a luxury hotel, working with a wide range of clients from brides to non-profit directors. After working several years as an in-house event producer for a political lobbying group and in the tech corporate space, Kate found her passion in event planning was in the nonprofit world. Creating the right environment for people to get together, collaborate, achieve results, and support important causes is what motivates Kate in her life and work. In her free time, you can find her on the yoga mat, spending time with friends and family and taking full advantage of the nature surrounding the Bay Area.

Erika Helstrom | Lead Event Producer

Erika originally hails from Colorado Springs and has found herself drawn to the Bay Area. She has a natural talent for organization and developing systems that allow people and projects to come together with ease and grace. Getting her start at a non-profit food drive in 2003, Erika has now organized more than 100 events for nonprofits, fairs, and festivals. When not working on events, Erika spends her time finding any and all opportunities to dance, watching sunrises, rock climb, she is a huge fan of improv and stand-up shows, and walking along the amazing beaches the Bay Area has to offer.

For as long as she can remember, Melanie has been the planner among her friends and family. Never one to crave the spotlight for herself, she is happiest when hosting, planning, and coordinating from behind the scenes. Melanie truly loves the energy of events work and takes pride in being able to see both the big picture and all the small details that make up a successful event. She has planned dozens of events on both coasts - including high-profile galas, multi-day conferences, charity luncheons, and intimate dinner parties. When she’s not dreaming up tablescapes, negotiating with vendors, and managing guest lists, Melanie can be found exploring her Brooklyn neighborhood with her family, picnicking in Prospect Park, and tackling elaborate baking projects. 

Shayna is a Bay Area native who loves to call San Francisco home. At the start of her career, assisting in event production for a local philanthropist, she discovered that parties could be filled with purpose and a lot of fundraising. This experience ignited her passion for philanthropic work through events. Nearly two decades later, after working in both corporate and agency sides of business, she’s thrilled to be working with the GOOD team. Her joy, enthusiasm, and grit are well matched for meeting the goals of the clients and attendees alike. When she’s not hard at work, you can find her riding the hills of SF on her e-bike with her three children, cooking up delicious meals from her garden with her husband, and trekking around in nature.

Chantal Anderson | Operations Director & Lead Event Producer

Chantal joined Do Good Events in 2018, passionate about making a difference in the world. She started performing Ballet at age 3 and spent over 20 years in the Performing Arts. In addition to being on stage, she wanted to experience everything backstage - directing, costume design, choreography, lighting & sound direction - fascinated with the production aspects of putting on a show. She spent 10 years in Hospitality, organizing up to 100 exhibitors at a time and coordinating sales events, weddings, fundraisers, and international C-Level attendee conferences. Over the years, she volunteered for non-profits and helped produce successful fundraising galas. With Do Good Events, she has found an opportunity to work with an amazing group of individuals and contribute to organizations making a substantial contribution to the world. Chantal also became a certified COVID-19 Compliance Officer at the start of the Pandemic, so as to better prepare for our return to live events.