We see your event through a
set of eyes
fresh
GFS Events offers innovative ideas and fundraising solutions that help your nonprofit achieve a fundraising goal you thought was out of reach.
Our Team
Smart, witty, detailed-oriented, and mission-focused, our team meets the mark every time. We are honest and transparent with our clients. We respect the beliefs of our diverse clientele and we care deeply about the work we do. Learn more about us below.
Gazala Uradnik
she/her
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Founder
I started GFS Events in 2012 because I knew that nonprofits needed help through my own board and volunteer work. I am an entrepreneur by nature and starting my own businesses was a natural progression of my goals and skills. I really listen to my clients to understand their needs. So many nonprofits need assistance with creating and executing a successful fundraising event. You can have a committed set of volunteers but you also need expertise, organization and knowledge of fundraising principles to really knock it out of the park.
I love fundraising. I love working with nonprofits and helping them to reach their goals. I have been able to double and sometimes triple the fundraising goals for my nonprofit clients. It makes what I do every day a privilege and not just a job.
SUPER POWER: Super calm under pressure
Director of Business Development and Special Events
Alex is committed to bringing the fun in fundraising for all GFS clients. Her passion for event planning is intertwined with her love of being able to be a part of so many amazing charitable organizations. Alex’s goal is to collaborate with organizations and bring them peace of mind during the planning process. Being able to put on a successful event while bringing a community closer together is her goal. She is excited to be spearheading the Southern California initiative of bringing GFS Events’ nonprofit event planning expertise to organizations in California.
When she’s not at work you can catch her at a Padre’s game, exploring the outdoors, or at Salt & Straw.
SUPERPOWER: Super efficient
Alex Springberg
she/her
Kavitha Peters
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Senior Fundraising & Special Events Producer
Kavitha Peters developed her passion for fundraising and event planning while serving on a local nonprofit board over the last four years. She has managed the planning and execution of a variety of fundraising programs including auction events, corporate sponsorships, and fun runs. What she enjoys most about working with nonprofits is building relationships and community involvement.
She is especially passionate about advocating for children. Kavitha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Richmond and completed her graduate studies at the University of Florida. She lives in Sammamish with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking and exploring all the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
SUPERPOWER: Super analytical
Senior Fundraising & Special Events Producer
Laura enjoys working with nonprofits because they help the community grow in positive ways. With her giving spirit and grateful attitude, Laura ties her love for serving the community with her knack for event planning. She loves channeling her creative skills, work ethic, and organizational skills to help nonprofits reach their goals. She especially loves meeting with clients, hearing their vision, and bringing that vision to fruition. To Laura, the most rewarding part of planning non-profit events is that moment on event day where through the fast-paced energy on the day of, she gets to take a moment and cherish people from all walks of life uniting under one roof towards a common goal.
Laura has a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality, Restaurant, Tourism Management from University of Nebraska. In her free time, she enjoys taking her Golden Retriever on hikes and watching sports with her husband. She loves her St. Louis Blues and Nebraska Huskers!
SUPERPOWER: Super creative
Laura Drazdys
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Kerry Shanahan
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Fundraising & Special Events Producer
Kerry has a passion for engaging and working with charitable organizations and helping to create events that will support the local community. Her love for events was initially inspired by her time working for an environmental nonprofit, after which she continued to integrate sustainable practices into her event planning. She is a team player that loves a challenge and always aims to go above and beyond for every event.
Kerry has a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and Production. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, listening to new podcasts, and spending time hiking and exploring the outdoors.
SUPERPOWER: Super organized
Assistant Fundraising & Event Producer
Colleen has an unbridled enthusiasm for promoting positive change in her community. Her desire to help has led her to work and volunteer in multiple nonprofit sectors. From organic farming to youth development to domestic violence awareness, Colleen is inspired to use her problem-solving skills and upbeat attitude to adapt and meet the needs of all types of nonprofits.
Colleen has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Portland State University. In her free time, she enjoys karaoke with friends, trying new restaurants, and going on road trips.
SUPERPOWER: Super outgoing
Colleen O'Connor
she/her
Amy Lopez
she/her
Assistant Fundraising & Event Producer
Amy found her passion for event planning through working for a local sports team and volunteering for multiple nonprofit events. During this time, she has learned how much an event can change a person’s life and is committed to helping and making a difference.
Amy is motivated to use her organizational, multitasking, and communication skills to meet clients’ needs.
Amy has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UW Seattle. In her free time, she enjoys Salsa dancing, reading, and finding new recipes to bake.
SUPERPOWER: Super empathetic
Assistant Fundraising & Event Producer
Erin has always had a passion for doing what she can to help others and make a positive difference. She found her love of event planning while attending the University of Washington while she took an on-campus job as an event lead for their volunteer program. During this time Erin found how much she loves helping nonprofits by using her organizational skills and determined nature.
Erin has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration-Marketing from the University of Washington. While not in the fast paced world of event planning, Erin also works as a Hip Hop Dance Teacher for children 10-18 years old. Erin also enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and playing tennis.
SUPERPOWER: Super determined
Erin Anderson
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Our Mission
Our mission is to raise more money for nonprofit organizations by creating, managing and executing successful fundraising events.
Equity Statement
At GFS Events, we strive to raise more money for your nonprofit by creating, managing, and executing a successful fundraising event. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is deeply connected to this mission. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment enriches our events and empowers the communities we serve. We are dedicated to supporting underrepresented groups by ensuring our team, partners, and vendors reflect the diverse world we live in. Through ongoing education, open dialogue, and inclusive practices, we strive to create a space where everyone feels valued and respected.
At GFS Events, we are committed to kindness, respect, compassion, integrity and teamwork, believing that these values help us support each other and our clients in achieving remarkable results.
GFS Events is certified by the WA State Office of Minority and Woman Owned Businesses as a Minority and Woman Owned Business.
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Nice Things
PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
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"GFS made event planning and execution seamless and easy for our organization"
"They are detail oriented, organized, and thorough in their processes. They also worked extra hard to ensure we received what we expected from our vendors. We loved working with GFS, and look forward to our next collaboration."
Michelle Hammer
Events and Engagement Coordinator
Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai'i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky
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