About the Presenters


James P. Reber		 James P. Reber has a 30+ year track record of success in creating and launching over 200 different kinds of fundraising events that become established annual fundraisers, transforming modestly successful events or failing events into guaranteed annual fundraisers on a much larger scale, and producing precision-perfect special events that accomplish their goals and objectives and do so with enviable excellence. Mr. Reber has raised over $25 Million dollars during his career, most of that in the San Jose / Silicon Valley area of Northern California. This money has been raised through Annual Campaigns, Capital Campaigns, Major Gift efforts, Corporate Sponsorships and a variety of other methods.

Chris Esparza 		Chris Esparza started working in the entertainment industry in 1985, after a few years in that business he opened Ajax Lounge in 1991, a renowned jazz bar, café, and performing arts space and in 1997, Fuel 44 an international café and jazz bar. Chris then ventured on his own with what seemed like a natural progression - Giant Creative Services, a marketing, event design, development and performing arts resource agency. With such clients as San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, Villa Montalvo, and the renowned Stanford Jazz Festival. In 1999 he co-founded the volunteer civic entrepreneur group Circa 2000. Returning to small business in 2005, Chris opened the Naglee Park Garage, a neighborhood bistro. 2008, he started as a San Jose Arts Commissioner and managing and booking the Landmark Ballroom at the San Jose Woman’s Club in the downtown/SJSU area.

Darlene Tenes		 Darlene Tenes, founded Marketing Maniacs, Inc., an event marketing and management firm in 1998 which specializes in creating signature events and campaigns for non-profits, finding key individuals and businesses to partner together through monetary, in-kind or media sponsorships that is beneficial to all. Clients have included: Silicon Valley Boys & Girls Club, MACSA, Diabetes Society, PAL - Police Activities League, Step Up Silicon Valley, Diocese of San Jose, Mexican Heritage Plaza, Hispanic National Bar Association, San Mateo County Sheriff. Ms. Tenes is currently a board member of Catholic Charities and San Jose Police Foundation. She is a past board member of PACT – People Acting in Community Together and Silicon Valley Boys & Girls Club.