The Spark foundation was created to promote and teach strategic philanthropic practices that empower youth to understand and navigate charity.
Spark Gala, organized by Spark Global Philanthropy Canada, is a premiere event showcasing philanthropy at its very best. The spectacular evening of food, entertainment and amazing live auction prizes takes place on May 10, 2019, at the Parq Vancouver. The foundation was created to promote and teach strategic philanthropic practices that empower youth to understand and navigate charity. “We created the Spark Foundation because we believe the greatest investment we can make today is not in any particular cause, but in our youth. We are working to cultivate a new generation of leaders that share the common goal of enhancing society, and so far, our investment has been extremely rewarding,” explains Abdul Ladha, director of Spark Global Philanthropy Canada.
This year’s gala will showcase United Nations Champion of the Earth, Afroz Shah, and the success of the Foundation’s philanthropy programs, new initiatives such as Spark Junior and the Portfolio and Endowment Management Program, and how Spark has grown since its inception in 2016. “This event is our opportunity to shine the spotlight on the passion, fierce intelligence, and the raw talent of our students, who are truly members of the next generation of leaders poised to make change. Spark programs now empower, teach and mentor youth from the age of seven through high school, post-secondary education and into the job market, the skill set required to be active and contributing members of society,” says Ladha.
The Guest of Honour at the Gala is United Nations Champion of the Earth, Afroz Shah, whose work to clean-up the beaches of Mumbai, particularly Versova Beach, has been labelled by the UN as the "biggest beach clean-up in the world." Shah will also lead a local clean-up with the Spark community during his stay in Vancouver.
Spark Junior is a program for children and their families to learn the activities to curate a generous spirit in the next generation. Through over six sessions students will be introduced to the fundamentals and history of philanthropy, as well as key aspects such as social etiquette, and financial literacy. “Spark Junior is today’s investment in tomorrow’s leaders and for some will be their first experience of giving, fostering a life-long dedication to philanthropy,” adds Ladha.
The notable event will include local musical entertainment, a delicious three-course meal and luxury auction items, with exclusive vacation packages and artwork by some of BC’s top artists and critically acclaimed work from global contemporary masters. The event attracts some of the country’s top philanthropists, industry leaders and dignitaries. Proceeds from the gala support the Spark Foundation’s youth empowerment programs that teach youth to navigate and understand the landscape of philanthropy, create change in their local and global communities, and provide student directed funding to humanitarian aid projects and education for women, children and refugees worldwide. “The Spark community is looking forward to another successful event for this year’s 2019 Spark Gala. We hope to see the generous spirit of our community out in full force,” says Ladha.
Spark Gala 2019
Date: May 10, 2019
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Reception at 6:30 pm
Dinner at 7:15 pm
Venue: Parq Vancouver, Ballrooms D & E – Conference Level
39 Smithe Street Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3
Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/spark-2019-gala-tickets-53567442663
More information at www.sparkfoundation.com
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