COACHART & THE CHILDREN’S BENEFIT
CoachArt is a nonprofit that transforms the lives of kids affected by chronic illness through free arts and athletics lessons. My relationship with CoachArt began almost a decade ago when their San Francisco team was searching for a professional event photographer for their annual Children’s Benefit. From that first gala, my goal was not just to document the night but to reflect the joy, hope, and humanity at the center of their mission.APPROACH + OUTCOME
SERVICES PROVIDEDPRODUCTION + LOGISTICSPHOTOGRAPHYPERMITS, RELEASES, LICENSING + INSURANCEPHOTOGRAPHY MENTORSHIP
Over the past eleven years, I have partnered with CoachArt as lead event photographer for their annual San Francisco gala, capturing imagery that helps the organization grow its national presence and inspire continued community and donor support. Moved by the impact of their work, I volunteered to lead a CoachArt Photography Club, mentoring student patients at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital to find confidence and creativity through the lens. I also volunteered as an individual photography mentor and baking experimenter.
In one especially memorable year, I surprised Chris Britt, CEO of Chime and the year’s gala honoree, with a photo book created in collaboration with CoachArt’s staff. The gesture brought the entire team to emotion and perfectly embodied the heart of CoachArt’s mission. After relocating to Los Angeles, I continued volunteering for their smaller community events, always seeking to document and elevate each experience through thoughtful photographic storytelling.
Our collaboration has grown into a creative partnership built on shared values: authenticity, integrity, and the belief that art has the power to heal. Together, we have transformed more than a decade of events into lasting visual narratives that celebrate courage, connection, and the beauty of giving back to the kids who matter most.
As CoachArt’s longtime Executive Development Events Manager, Dorothy Aquilina, reflects:
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Julia Zave for over 11 years, following her inspiring journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back again. We first connected when our nonprofit was searching for a professional event photographer for our annual Children’s Benefit in San Francisco. Julia immediately stood out—not only for her incredible talent behind the camera, but also for her heart. Her photos didn’t just capture moments; they told the story of who we are as an organization and reflected the joy, hope, and humanity at the center of our mission.Julia was so moved by our work that she volunteered her time to lead a CoachArt Photography Club, mentoring students and helping them find confidence and creativity through the lens. Her genuine connection to our mission was clear in everything she did.When we invited Julia back the following year, she once again went above and beyond—surprising our honoree with a beautifully curated photo book featuring portraits taken by her and her CoachArt student. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone in the room why her work stands out: she leads with compassion, thoughtfulness, and intention.Even after relocating to Los Angeles, Julia has continued to stay involved with us, generously volunteering her time and skills for our smaller in-person events. Despite our nonprofit’s limited budgets, she has never hesitated to give her best—delivering professional-quality work with grace, enthusiasm, and a can-do attitude.Working with Julia is truly a joy. She’s not only a gifted photographer but also a collaborative creative partner who takes initiative, offers thoughtful suggestions on event flow and branding activations, and always elevates the overall experience for everyone involved. Her professionalism, kindness, and generosity make her an asset to any team or organization lucky enough to work with her.I wholeheartedly recommend Julia Zave for any opportunity that values both excellence and heart. She is one of those rare people whose passion shines through in every project she touches.