News & Stories

This week, we’re excited to spotlight Tara Elk, our Senior Manager, Signature Events & Annual Giving. Tara brings an extraordinary level of creativity, intention, and care to everything she does. From concept to execution, she approaches each event with a thoughtful eye for detail and a passion for creating meaningful experiences. Her work doesn’t just bring people together—it elevates every moment, ensuring our events reflect the heart and impact of the Foundation.

Get to know Tara as she shares what drew her to the Foundation and what she thinks makes the Foundation so special as she supports our mission to improve patient care, education, and community programs.

What drew you to the Foundation initially?

I joined Cooper in 2005, but it was working on the 2012 Red Hot Gala that truly drew me to the Foundation. That experience showed me how creativity, community, and purpose come together through philanthropy—and joining the Foundation that May felt like the perfect next chapter. Helping make the extraordinary possible is what keeps me inspired.

What is most rewarding about working at the Foundation for you?

Seeing the direct impact of generosity. Every event, campaign, and partnership tells a story of compassion—connecting donors, caregivers, and patients in meaningful ways. Knowing that the work we do helps advance exceptional care for our community makes even the busiest days incredibly fulfilling.

Describe your perfect day off.

A beach day with sunshine, a great margarita, and lots of laughter—ideally with family and friends, a little TikTok scrolling, and absolutely no schedule, no emails, no timelines, and no run-of-show documents in sight.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Behind the events, timelines, and spreadsheets, I’m very creative at heart—I love design, branding, and finding the little details that make moments feel special (and yes, I have a soft spot for bows and anything sparkly).

If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?

Taylor Swift—because she’s a master storyteller, a powerhouse philanthropist, and someone who understands the impact of connecting with people through meaningful moments.

Thank you for getting to know Tara with us. Stay tuned for more stories that shine a light on the remarkable individuals who bring The Cooper Foundation’s vision to life every day.

“Foundation Faces” is a blog series that dives into the heart of The Cooper Foundation to introduce you to the incredible individuals who drive our mission forward.