Join us for our Hybrid Fall Gala at
Cafe Brauer (Chicago) or on Zoom
Fall Gala 2023
Thursday, October 19th, 2023
WE’RE EMPOWERING
COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD
Café Brauer
2021 N Stockton Dr,
Chicago, IL 60614
Valet Parking Available for $20
5:30PM - 10:30PM
Cocktail Attire
5:30PM - Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres
6:45PM - Seated Dinner
7:30PM - Event Program
8:30 - 10:30PM - Dancing & Celebrating
Via Zoom
7:00PM CT - Tequila Tasting (Optional)
7:30PM CT - Event Program
8:30 - 9:00PM CT- Dancing & Celebrating
Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Friend of Spark
Event Advisor
Julie Cook
Spark Ventures Board of Directors
Honorary Speakers
Candida Mendez
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Las Tias
Heavy Crownz
Peace Campus Director, We Grow Chicago
For 16 years, Spark Ventures has been providing sustainable solutions to lift communities out of poverty and empower future leaders.
We partner with incredible grassroots organizations in Zambia, Nicaragua, Mexico & Chicago to work together to:
- Build strong foundations & bright futures
- Focus on individual, organizational & environmental sustainability
- Create lasting impact by directing human & financial resources towards education, nutrition, healthcare and jobs
By attending our 2023 Fall Gala, you can help Spark support our partners with the resources needed to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Join us for an evening of inspiration, education and celebration—and let’s continue building strong foundations and bright futures together.
What’s Included?
In-Person
Our evening will feature a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, and a seated dinner, as well as a selection of wine, beer and a cash bar. We’ll honor foundations & individuals who have made a significant impact in the communities Spark supports.
We’ll hear inspiring stories from our partner organizations, have the opportunity to participate in a live auction, and contribute to the impactful work we do around the world. Our evening will conclude with an afterparty featuring a live DJ, dancing, and the chance to connect with in-person and virtual attendees.
Virtual
$150 Guided Tequila Tasting
Purchase our optional live tequila tasting led by a tequila expert! The package will be delivered directly to your door & includes 4 100mL bottles of tequila perfect for sipping (Rosa, Blanco, Reposado & Añejo).
Free (without tequila tasting)
Our virtual event allows attendees to experience our evening and connect with both in-person and virtual guests, all from the comfort of your home. Virtual attendees will have the opportunity to hear from our partner organizations, participate in a live auction, and contribute to Spark’s work.
Board of Directors
Michael Campbell (Chair)
Julie Tafel Klaus (Vice Chair)
Doak Elliott (Co-Treasurer)
Tumsheen Qureshi (Co-Treasurer)
Julie Cook (Secretary)
Scott Barbeau (Cofounder)
Constance Benrud
Sue Bernstein
Richard Johnson (Cofounder)
Jennifer Kim
Vicki Kraft
Lisa Madonia
Patti O’Neil
Leon Reed
Kristin Schrepferman (Executive Director)
Kathy Wolf
Events Committee
Constance Benrud
Sue Bernstein
Jeff Breaden
Michael Campbell
Katie Casey
Julie Cook (Event Advisor)
Kevin Cook
Katie Gustafson (Event & Communications Manager)
Jennifer Kim
Julie Tafel Klaus
Lee Kuker
Lisa Madonia
Andrea Moonsammy
Kristin Schrepferman (Executive Director)
Colton Stombaugh
Cassandra Wade
Kathy Wolf