Julie Morales, TEAM Leader
I have been a part of putting on events for over 20 years now. It all started with the Chefs Market in Napa in 1996. I couldn’t believe how fun and exciting this event was in the streets of Downtown Napa; I just had to be a part of it. So, I became a “beer gal” and boy did I love that job. It got me noticed for sure! People would come up to me at the grocery store and say, Hey, aren’t you the beer girl at the Chefs Market? And I would proudly say, YES I AM! I got to know the community of Napa from this event and that’s how it all started. I eventually became an employee of the Downtown Napa Association and I was asked to run the whole event! I dove right in and made it my own. The people of Napa loved this event and it was just for the locals; a gathering place where our community would come together each week to listen to live music, buy some local produce, shop in the stores, eat some amazing food, sip on beer and wine and let the kids play on the jumpy houses. I eventually brought in sponsors to support our “Non-Profit of the Week” and our “School of the Week” where each organization received a check and some exposure to ask for donations. It was a win-win! Then we brought back the Main Street Reunion Car show, which is now a 2-day event and then created Blues, Brews & BBQ; now our most popular downtown event! Other events included the Wine Country Cajun Festival, The Wine & Crafts Fair, Oktoberfest and now Napa Live.
In all of my years of experience with running these events, I formed important relationships with the City of Napa staff and became very familiar with City regulations, forms, permits and much more. Today, I am still a part of all downtown Napa events and working as a Contractor for the DNA and have been able to branch out on my own to explore events in other towns. I currently serve as a Board Director with the Kiwanis Club of Napa and my experience with events has helped with our fundraising efforts and running silent auctions. I am currently involved with helping other Kiwanis Clubs with their silent auctions working with Silent Auction Pro, a company who provides the software for the fundraisers. I have also been working with the City of Yountville on events such as Taste of Yountville and Art, Sip & Stroll. In addition, I currently serve as the Lead Volunteer Coordinator for the Safeway PGA Open at Silverado Resort where we invite our local non-profit groups to work the concessions at the tournament to receive money for their volunteer efforts. I am working with over 500 volunteers and the fine staff at Silverado Resort. Other services we offer are consultation services, working with non-profit groups, fundraisers, silent auctions, lip-sync battles, silent disco, event staffing, training and much more. Give us a call, let’s have some FUN!
