Meet the Black & White Ball 2008 Steering Team
Rosie Mietzel, Steve Galyardt, Michelle Strange, Leslie Maita, Dave Rosenthal, Kathy Partak, Dave Partak, Bruce Cosgrove
By the time the Saturday in August rolls around Auburn's Black & White Ball Steering Team will have met for 11 of the previous 12 months.
It takes a superhuman effort to make Auburn's Black & White Ball happen. Months of planning culminate with a one-night affair to remember. Meeting weekly, the Steering Team coordinates directly with the various event chairmen, discussing everything from decorations, marketing, security, entertainment, sponsors, banking, restaurants, bars, to logistics such as power requirements, temporary fencing, and restrooms! Here's a little background on each member of this powerful group, following by a listing of our incredible committee chairmen
Rosie Mietzel, 2008 Chair - Rosie is the owner of Call Me Entertainment, an event planning company and a Realtor with Lifestyle Real Estate Company. She has served for the past 7 years as Entertainment Chair of the Black & White Ball and this is her 3rd year chairing the event. She brings extensive knowledge of the entertainment and event planning industry to the Team. She has worked with national headliner talent as well as regional and local groups, and brings 17 years of experience to the table. Her real estate career has flourished since 1985, and her hobbies include country music, antiquing, and hot rods with her husband Ted.
Steve Galyardt serves on the Steering Team as well as overseeing all aspects of banking for Auburn's black & White Ball. Steve is well-qualified for this important position, and works throughout the night to insure that drink tokens, cash, and tickets are handled securely. As Past-President of the Chamber of Commerce, Steve is another example of the wonderful commitment and volunteerism that it takes to make Auburn the great city it is.
Dave and Kathy Partak moved to Auburn in 2003. Dave is a longtime member of the California Army National Guard, and served in Iraq from 2004-2005. Currently Dave is active duty in retention and marketing. Kathy is a Mortgage Planner with Sierra Capital Mortgage and a Writer. Kathy has been published in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books in addition to having a motivational book in the works. Having sponsored and attended the ball four years running, Dave and Kathy bring a new perspective to the steering team. They provide key insight on things more from the ball-goers point of view.
Dave Rosenthal, also known as That Guy at KAHI radio, has been in the Auburn community for over a decade now. He came to KAHI Radio in May of '97 and immediately jumped into the community as host of the morning drive show. Over the years he has hosted many events in the community and has always been a proponent of Auburn's Black and White Ball. Whether he has been a roving video reporter at the Ball or announcing the entrants to the VIP party, or as a member of the Black and White Golf Classic committee, the Ball has always been a source of great price and pleasure for Dave. This is his first year on the Steering Committee and has served on the Marketing Committee for three years.
Leslie Maita is new to the Steering Team, but a long-time member of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce as well as an active Auburn resident. Leslie is the owner of Maita Ford Mercury and a repeat sponsor of the Black and White Ball. Leslie's head for business with a strong sales background and social skills bring a fun community spirit to the Team.
Michelle Strange serves on the Steering Team and is also the Chair of the Sponsorship Committee. Michelle and her team work tirelessly to ensure our event sonsors are well taken care of, and she is always looking for opportunities to recruit new sponsors. You'll see Michelle and her team around town delivering the popular Black & White Ball Rabbits. Michelle is Vice President & Manager of the Auburn Branch of Citizens Bank of Northern California. She resides in Auburn with her husband and 11-year old son. Citizens Bank is the official Bank for Auburn's Black & White Ball.
Bruce Cosgrove, Executive Director of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce - the man who makes it all happen! While letting the Steering Team bring their ideas and energy to the Ball each year, Bruce is always there to insure the Ball is a positive event for the Chamber of Commerce and the Community. During the final weeks leading up to the Ball, you will see the lights burning late into the night at the Chamber office, as he reviews timelines, confirming that everything is happening as needed for a successful Ball. And on the 3rd Saturday in August each year, you will see him on the streets delivering supplies, decorations, rabbits to the different venues. A great leader, we applaud Bruce and his dedication to the Black & White Ball!
The Black & White Ball Teams
It takes a lot of people to produce an event the size of Auburn's Black & White Ball. Besides the hundreds of volunteers, these great folks are the Team Leads, working hard to give everyone a wonderful evening:
Banking Steve Galyardt
Bars Ron Solomon & Chuck Parcher
City Support Bob Richardson
Clean-up Rodney Spangler
Decorations Rachel Kopp
Electrical Steve Stefani
Entertainment Rosie Mietzel
General Services Jim Nordstron
Golf Tournament Ron Lichau/Dennis Arietta
Headquarters Dave Rose
Hospitality Tom Roemer
Logistics Paul Gilbert
Marketing Annette Cosgrove, Gary Moffatt, Dave Rosenthal
Restaurants Bob & Eileen Ferber
Security Brett & Diane Sunken & National Event Services
Sponsors Michelle Strange
Stages/Production Bill Pursell
Stage Lighting Monroe DeJournette
Token Sales Shanna Brown
Transportation Judy Holt
Volunteers Jo Genusso
Volunteer BBQ Casey Conway
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