Sandie Krutz of Baskets to Banquets

Sandie, a Chicago native earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University, which allowed her to pursue her life long dream of becoming a teacher. She taught in the primary grades in both public and private schools. Teaching young children demands creativity and organization in order to capture their minds and spirit.

Creating unique gifts and organizing fun times has always been fun and easy to Sandie. As a youngster she helped her mother organize the Holiday parties for their extended family: 7 children, 20+ grandchildren and assorted tag-a-longs.

While employed with a Bay Area corporation in additional to her managerial and organizational talents, she used her marketing and creative skills to promote the company through unique customer appreciation gifts and gift baskets. Gifts that reflected the personality and "different" style of doing business this company was known for in their industry.

Sandie also belongs to several civic groups and inevitably becomes involved in planning their numerous and varied events. As the Executive Director for Rotary District 5150 in 2003-04 she organized a Seminar (District Assembly) involving some 38 Rotary Clubs and 200 attendees. Then she orchestrated a very elegant Social event for the District's Major Foundation Donors. Following a most successful fundraiser with 500 attendees at Treasure Island for the same District Governor was the District Holiday party at the San Francisco International Airport Museum. As a "finale" she arranged the year end 3-day District Conference which included programming the entire event, engaging prominent speakers as well as catering and entertainment for almost 300 people. Sandie is also involved in similar activities with a number of Trade Organizations of which she is a member. Again organizing events such as Golf Tournaments, Social Mixers and a yearly Holiday Party for some 450 attendees are "normal operating procedure" for Sandie.

All of these events and activities give Sandie a unique insight into planning and execution. Her creativity and expertise in choosing locales, themes, entertainment, food and beverages help her provide individuality to each event tailored to suit the make up and personality of the group or organization she is working for.