Community Partner Profile: Gather Event Planning

Meet Karissa Kjos, owner of Gather Event Planning!

Karissa brings a heart for connection, celebration and community into everything she does—from planning meaningful events to supporting causes like Hope Blooms. With nearly a decade of experience, she’s helped countless clients bring their visions to life while encouraging kindness and generosity along the way.

Karissa began her partnership with Hope Blooms through donations of flowers from her clients’ weddings. Recently, Karissa has graciously donated her time and talent to Hope Blooms for our upcoming Petals for a Purpose event.

Read on to learn more about Karissa, her passion for people and how she sees the power of flowers and community impact coming together through Hope Blooms.

What’s your favorite part about owning Gather Event Planning?
The clients who trust me to make their dream event come to life and the amazing vendors I get to partner with!

How long has Gather Event Planning been serving our community?
This will be our 9th season in business, and we have been serving the Fargo community for the past 4 seasons!

How does Hope Blooms’ mission align with Gather Event Planning’s values?
I encourage my clients to be a guest at their own event! Letting me handle all the planning and execution so they can really soak in the love of their guests that showed up to celebrate them. Hope Blooms has been sharing their love with our community and letting people know they are valued, seen, and that they matter.

What is special about the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo and surrounding area?
We are a community that cares and have so many great organizations that are making an impact every day.

In what ways do you see Hope Blooms bringing value to our community?
They are spreading the important message of belonging and showing our community members that they matter. It is in times of hardship that feeling the extra love and thoughtfulness really matters. Hope Blooms and their volunteers really nurture those connections and make a lasting impact.

From a community partner perspective, why do you believe in supporting causes like Hope Blooms?

I’ve personally seen the joy dropping off a bouquet of flowers brings. Everyone has their moments of hardship and loneliness and the small act of kindness that Hope Blooms brings makes such a world of difference.
It has been a blessing for my clients to be able to donate their wedding florals for Hope Blooms to be able to repurpose. I’ve even had clients volunteer the next week so they can be a part of arranging their own florals and seeing the joy their florals continue to spread!

Why does feeling seen matter?
Feeling seen matters because it reassures us that we are not alone and that we belong. Hope Blooms and its volunteers fosters that connection with our community and makes sure that our community feels loved.

What’s your favorite way to spread joy?
When I’m out and about around town, I try to smile and say hello to people I walk past. You never know the small gestures that can positivity impact a person’s day.

What’s your favorite flower and why?
Hydrangeas, especially light blue, always make me smile! But I also love a flowerbed filled with a variety of flowers, it reminds me of my grandparents and all the flowers they had around their yards.