When: Thursday, June 5th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Mavericks House, 107 Broadway, Half Moon Bay, CA, 94019
Admission and snacks are complimentary. Beer, wine, and other beverages will be available for sale at the event.
Join us for a special screening of Do I Need This?, a personal and humorous documentary exploring our emotional attachment to the stuff we own. Emmy Award-winner Kate Schermerhorn takes us on a journey through American homes—from hoarders to monks—while reflecting on her mother’s decline from dementia and the deeper question: what truly matters?
Rather than focusing on our impact on the planet, this film explores our human need to consume, offering a heartfelt look at memory, aging, and letting go.
“Top 10 Documentaries of the Year” – Video Librarian
“Life-changing” – Beyond Chron
“Quirky and funny” – Film Threat
Guest and Moderator Bios:
Kate Schermerhorn – Filmmaker
An Emmy-winning director and still photographer, Kate’s work shines a light on the often-overlooked corners of American life. She has directed hundreds of videos, including three feature-length documentaries, and authored a photography book exploring what Americans do for fun. Her eclectic background includes studying at the Culinary Institute of America and living in four countries. Kate has lived in Marin county over 14 years, The New Yorker said of Kate’s work, ‘nothing seems wasted, and nothing is excessive.’
Kathy Kaufmann – Founder, The Happy Home Crew
After two decades in biotech and nonprofit leadership, Kathy launched a business to help seniors age in place with dignity. Her company, The Happy Home Crew, specializes in home organizing, senior move management, and hoarding intervention. Kathy’s team collaborates with San Mateo County Adult Protective Services and works with social workers, realtors, homeowners and families to help them manage their stuff to improve how they manage their lives.
Jeannine Clark – CEO & Medical Social Worker, Clark Consulting & Associates
Jeannine brings over 30 years of experience in geriatric medical social work, offering compassionate guidance to families navigating healthcare, aging, and end-of-life planning. As the founder of Clark Consulting & Associates, she consults with care providers and families to ensure seniors receive the support they need to thrive.
Lenny Mendonca, Moderator
Co-founder of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Former Chief Economic and Business Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom of California. He is a Senior Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company and a Lecturer on Inequality at the Stanford Business School. He founded McKinsey’s U.S. state and local public sector consulting practice. He also oversaw their knowledge development, Chairing the McKinsey Global Institute and the Firm's communications, including the McKinsey Quarterly. He is also the Founding Chair of the Coastside News Group (Half Moon Bay Review and Pacifica Tribune).
ABOUT:
Perkins & Will is a global, multi-disciplinary design firm with offices across North & South America, Europe, and Asia. Committed to creating meaningful spaces, the firm focuses on inspiring joy, strengthening communities, and making a positive impact. Believing that architecture tells a story, Perkins & Will designs with purpose—enlivening neighborhoods, building communities, and promoting sustainability.
Filmmakers David and Hi-Jin Hodge
David Hodge and Hi-Jin Kang Hodge have created video installations for artistic exhibitions around the world. Their pieces typically blend editorial materials and innovative uses of technology to explore complex human and social questions. Above all, they create cohesive work that identifies foundational principles and expands on them through multiple viewpoints.
Beach Break Entertainment
Julie Mell
Founded by Julie Mell in August 2020, Beach Break brings independent films and outdoor movie experiences to the San Mateo County coast. Inspired by her love for independent cinema and years attending Sundance, Julie launched the initiative during the COVID-19 shutdown, offering pop-up drive-in screenings that supported local businesses and nonprofits. Encouraged by the community, she later established the Beach Break Film Festival (BBFFHMB), with its inaugural event in December 2022. With a background in film festivals and community engagement, Julie has successfully created a unique cultural event showcasing groundbreaking independent films. Beach Break Entertainment has donated over $35,000 to local nonprofits.