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The basics: Betty Goertzen, a grandmother of four, owns Develop Design Do It, a Fresno event planning business she started in 1997. She and husband Elvin take care of their son Bryan, who has cerebral palsy, and their adopted daughter Kandyce Cummings lives in Roseville.
What she does: The indefatigable Goertzen, a graduate of Reedley High, works six days a week as an event coordinator raising funds for nonprofit organizations and holding planning seminars.
Why she does it: "I love being around people and organizing events," said Goertzen, who is motivated by her religious faith. "I start every day with a prayer: 'How can I be of service and how can I honor God in what I do.' It's serving humanity."
Turning point: After beating ovarian cancer, Goertzen said she re-evaluated her life and decided to work out of her home and help care for Bryan. So she started her own business "to help others, because people helped me so much in my life."
Details, details: Goertzen, a trained decorator, worked 26 years as an independent contractor for Home Interiors and Gifts. Her projects have included United Cerebral Palsy, Renaissance Feast for Scholars, Boys & Girls Clubs, Bachelor's Ball, Gingerbread Competition, Clovis' Celebration of Valley Life, Risk Takers Dream Makers, Mended Little Hearts, various blood drives, high school events and her annual open house during pedestrian night on Christmas Tree Lane.
