Who we are

As the saying goes, “It takes a Village…”

The founders of Atwater Village Events are Shelli-Anne Couch and Courtney Morris, both Congressional “Woman of the Year” recipients for their dedication to public service — awarded in 2014 (Shelli-Anne) and 2022 (Courtney). They are also both former members of the Atwater Village Neighborhood Council Board of Governors, where Courtney served as Co-Chair for six years and Shelli-Anne founded the Education Committee.

Their connection to the Atwater Village Tree Lighting began long before the nonprofit existed — back in 2015, when both were Neighborhood Council members helping support the event in its earlier form. In 2017, after Wells Fargo unexpectedly removed the event from its long-established location, the Tree Lighting nearly disappeared altogether. But what happened next shaped everything that followed: the community mobilized almost instantly to save the tradition, and then-new local business owner Claudio Blotta of All’Acqua stepped forward to offer a new home for the event. That moment — watching neighbors, businesses, and volunteers rally to protect a piece of Atwater Village — became the spark for what Atwater Village Events is today.

Since COVID, the Tree Lighting has grown exponentially, outpacing the informal planning structure that once sustained it. Recognizing the need for stability, transparency, and room to evolve, Shelli-Anne and Courtney formed Atwater Village Events, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and expanding this beloved tradition. With a more intentional, community-driven foundation, they have been able to cultivate a Tree Lighting experience that is more diverse, more culturally relevant, and more inclusive — now welcoming over 3,500 attendees annually.

Together with a merry band of volunteers, they not only fundraise and produce the flagship Tree Lighting Festival each year but also support a calendar of Local Business Outreach events designed to foster connection, strengthen small businesses, and celebrate the unique character of Atwater Village throughout the year.