Spark Ventures

At our recent Fall Gala, we were excited to induct Dean Houston into our Founders Circle! Over the years, Dean Houston has been pivotal to the success of Spark's virtual, hybrid and in person events. Their unmatched expertise in marketing, technology, and boundless creativity have helped us elevate our events to the next level. Thank you to the Dean Houston team!

This week we say a bittersweet farewell to one of Spark Ventures' finest, Katie Gustafson! Over the past 3 years, Katie has poured her time, talent, passion, and exceptional leadership skills into Sparks mission, planning 9 spectacular fundraising events and tackling every challenge with grace and a smile. Though Katie's journey as Spark's Event and Communications Manager has come to a close, her impact will always be felt. We're thrilled she'll continue supporting Spark as Co-Chair of our Associate Board. Katie, we'll miss you and can't wait to see all the incredible things the future holds! Thank you and best wishes!

At our recent Fall Gala, we were thrilled to welcome Yashvant Patel and the Vallavbhai & Savitaben Patel Foundation into Spark Ventures Founders Circle. Since 2017, the Patel Foundation has been a dedicated supporter, making a profound impact on our partners. Thanks to their support, Hope Community School has been able to increase access to clean water for students, pay teacher salaries, and scale production on their vegetable farm with a crucial irrigation system & transportation. They've also provided 275 students in Nicaragua and Zambia with transportation and education scholarships, and assisted with critical emergency needs during the pandemic - when our partner communities needed it most. We can't thank the Patel Foundation enough for their unwavering support!

OVER $345,000 RAISED!!! Thank you to everyone who supported our 2024 Fall Gala, we had a wildly successful & fun event last week. A special thank you to our partners for sharing their stories! Everyone who contributed is helping uplift and empower the communities Spark supports. If you didn't have a chance to donate, it's not too late! Join hands with us to make sure our partners can continue their important work. https://lnkd.in/gFui-ktd

Last week we Join Hands to "Uplift and Empower" at the Fall Gala! Not only did we uplift our partners so they can continue the profound impact they're having in their communities, we also honored 4 individuals and organizations in the Spark Community who have helped expand our mission and exemplify our core values. Celebrate with us as we present Craig Leva with the Global Service Award and induct DeanHouston, the Vallavbhai & Savitaben Patel Foundation, and Patti Steeves O'Neil into the Founders Circle!

Please join us in welcoming Spark's new Board of Directors officers, Chairperson Julie Tafel Klaus and Vice Chair Constance Benrud. Both Julie and Constance have a long history of service and dedication on Spark's Board, sharing their expansive expertise, creativity and support at every turn. Congratulations to you both on your new leadership positions. Thank you for all you do for Spark and our partners!

Is your company looking to sponsor events for an amazing cause? Support Spark Ventures and our mission of investing in sustainable solutions that empower communities around the world. You can choose your own level of giving and receive recognition on social media and at the event! Become an event sponsor today! sparkventures.org/sponsor

Happy #AugustAppreciation to our Board of Directors. Without your continued support, Spark’s vision of a future where our partners have the opportunity and resources to achieve their greatest potential could not be achieved. Scott Barbeau, Co-founder Rich Johnson, Co-founder Julie Tafel Klaus, Chair Constance Benrud, Vice Chair Julie Cook, Secretary Tumsheen Qureshi, Treasurer Kristin Schrepferman, Executive Director Daniel Marcus, Co-founder, Director Emeritus Michael Campbell Patti O'Neil Carol Thompson Jennifer Kim Lisa Madonia Leon Reed Kathy Campbell Wolf Sue Bernstein Doak Elliott Thank you for your dedication to our partners and all the work you do to help empower future leaders all over the globe!

Happy #AugustAppreciation to our Associate Board! Every one of you demonstrates your commitment to Spark’s mission by volunteering your passion, ideas, and time. Ashley Bailey Aneil Baron Erin Campbell Julie Cook, Board Advisor Katie Gustafson, Co-Chair Abby Kanes Jason Kuker, Co-Chair Mary Mallon Wamuyu Munyiri Julia Sistachs Hailey Radakovitz Kitsy Smith Harli Thompson Cassandra Wade Daniel Weber Mac Wolf Thank you for your contributions that help uplift communities and empower future leaders around the world!

Tickets are now ON SALE for our October 17th Fall Gala at Cafe Brauer! Join us for an evening filled with inspiring stories, great food & drinks, opportunities to contribute to our partners, dancing, and celebrating with great company as we Join Hands to Uplift and Empower! For more information and to get your tickets visit sparkventures.org/fallgala