“Our Rotary club was entertained, and had a lot of laughs as we discovered that we didn’t need to be artists or composers to be creative. Just by creative problem solving in finding better ways to serve our community we stay young, healthy and happy. Thanks Donna for your fun filled wisdom”.
Donna was full of energy and excitement…
Her powerful message resonated deeply: creativity is one of the deepest expressions of being human, a spark that shapes meaning, fosters connection, and infuses life with purpose. As Donna so beautifully illustrated, whether through art, problem-solving, or simply approaching each day with imagination, creativity has the power to move us, to inspire positive change, and to sustain joy at every stage of life.
Thank you, Donna, for not only sharing your stories, time and wisdom, but also for encouraging us to embrace creativity as a timeless and renewing force that makes our journey more rewarding.
Donna spoke at our RISE Learning for Life (adult education) program. She provided a fun, engaging, and creative presentation. Our members seemed to enjoy it immensely!
Your presentation about the transformative power of creativity was perfect
“Adventures of a Gala Guru by Donna Vessey is a witty, sometimes chaotic, always entertaining dive into the world of event planning, where disasters are just opportunities for comedic gold. The story follows a seasoned event planner named Donna navigating high-stakes parties, wild personalities, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to rival a reality TV show. Between the eccentric clients, the unpredictable mishaps, and the heroine’s sharp, self-deprecating humor, this book keeps the energy high and the reader thoroughly entertained.
The writing has this breezy, conversational flow that makes you feel like you’re having drinks with a friend who just happens to have a treasure trove of outrageous party-planning stories. Take the opening scene, for example, Donna is stuck filming an antacid commercial, lamenting how far she’s fallen from the glamorous days of youthful, fresh-faced advertising gigs. It’s funny, a little ridiculous, and completely relatable for anyone who’s had to adjust to life not going exactly as planned. The way Vessey writes these moments, blending snark, self-awareness, and vivid imagery, makes even the mundane feel hilarious.
Then there are the characters. From Sam, the no-nonsense best friend who seems to be the voice of reason (but also the first to drag Donna into trouble), to the outrageous socialites and diva clients, every person in this book is larger than life. One of my favorite moments is the wake-turned-party scene, where a deceased man is the literal centerpiece of his own send-off. It’s absurd, it’s a little macabre, but it’s also an unexpectedly sweet moment that underscores the book’s theme; life (and event planning) is unpredictable, so you might as well laugh at the madness.
If you think your job is stressful, try planning a high-end wedding where the mother of the bride is a control freak, the bride herself is a manipulative whirlwind, and the shrimp needs to be flown in fresh from Louisiana, or there will be hell to pay. There’s something deeply satisfying about reading someone else’s work nightmares, especially when they’re told with this much flair. The scene where our protagonist juggles high-maintenance demands while trying to keep her team from murdering difficult clients had me grinning the entire time.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves stories about behind-the-scenes chaos, think The Devil Wears Prada meets Party Down. If you’ve ever worked in events, hospitality, or anything customer-service-adjacent, you’ll probably find yourself laughing (and cringing) in recognition. It’s light, fast-paced, and full of charm, making it an ideal pick for anyone who needs a fun, escapist read. If you like your humor sharp, your characters wild, and your disasters entertaining, Adventures of a Gala Guru will be right up your alley.”
“Donna spoke to our Rotary Club and really delivered with a powerful message that seemed to be tailored to our members. Her advice regarding creativity, how we already implement it in our lives, and how we can further develop our own creativity really hit home. I strongly recommend Donna as a speaker for your next meeting or event.”
“Donna Vessey was one of our keynote speakers at the Arizona Association of Activity Professionals’ annual educational conference on March 19, 2026. Her presentation on the “Creative Life” was excellent. The presentation was engaging, insightful, and energizing — and the feedback from our members has been overwhelmingly positive. The AAAP members have requested her return for another educational session. Donna most definitely “Unlocks Your Team’s Creative Potential”. We truly valued the opportunity to partner with Donna and would highly recommend her to any organization looking to empower their people and embrace creativity.”
Her sense of humor and her discussion point on the importance of creativity as we age were very much welcomed by the participants. It was truly an inspirational presentation on why we need creativity in our lives. We learned as well that we do not have to be an artist to be creative.
Funny & Inspiring
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and humor
Donna’s vast experience in producing events is stellar. Her calm professional manner mixed with fun engaging stories makes her a valuable speaker for any group. She aligns with the present needs requested by the client and delivers educational excellence. I highly recommend Donna!
Mrs. Vessey’s approach was both authentic and energizing. She connected seamlessly with our staff and demonstrated a remarkable ability to translate creativity into everyday applications. Beyond enhancing how we care for our older patients, her insights extended to improving communication, teamwork, and efficiency within our practice. She modeled how creativity is not just an abstract concept but a valuable tool that can positively influence both patient care and professional collaboration.
Donna’s real life experience in planning, organizing and executing events is a fabulous journey. Donna has light hearted professional approach woven with fun engaging stories, My students loved her ability to respond to all questions and answer in a manner that was easy to understand. I highly recommend Donna!
