Join Spark’s Spring Forward for an evening of Springing into Action!
Event Details
Thursday, April 16th | 6:30-10PM
The Arbory | 2291 W Grand Ave., Chicago
Purchase Event Tickets
Donate to the Spring Forward
Event Sponsors
GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Honorary Speakers
Omar Esahú
Martinez Lopez
Entreamigos
San Pancho, Mexico
Yaoska Patricia
Fuentes Torres
Las Tias
Leon, Nicaragua
Regina Masiliso
Hope Community School
Ndola, Zambia
Bartholomew Siggers
We Grow Chicago
Chicago, IL
Spring into Action
Since 2007 Spark has invested in sustainable solutions that empower communities around the world, partnering with grassroots organizations in Zambia, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chicago.
Our partners have been doing transformative work since their inception. It’s an honor to spring into action with them on their journey to uplift their communities.
We are inviting YOU to our 2026 Spring Forward for an evening designed to connect, inspire, and spark action! Through storytelling and conversation, you’ll learn about Spark Ventures and the impactful, community-led work being done by our partners across the globe.
By attending, you’ll help strengthen the efforts of our partner organizations as they provide access to education, nutrition, healthcare and employment for under-resourced communities.
What's Included
Begin the evening connecting with old friends and meeting new like-minded guests while enjoying a relaxed cocktail hour. Sip on wine and beer while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres.
Explore our raffle baskets and purchase tickets for a chance to win, then head over to the wine pull—each mystery bottle is a surprise waiting to be uncorked!
We’ll then gather in the dining room to continue the evening with dinner, along with introductions to Spark and our valued partners. You’ll hear inspiring stories from program participants and learn how Spark’s partners are making a difference. There will be a chance to contribute to their important work and have a direct impact on empowering the communities they serve.
Bid and win an array of exclusive and unique live auction items—all while driving our mission.
We’ll wrap up the program by drawing and announcing the raffle winners!
The evening doesn’t end there! Celebrate, dance, and continue connecting with fellow Spark supporters at our afterparty. DJ Cymba from the We Grow Chicago community will keep the energy going with all your favorite tracks.
Can’t attend but still would like to make a contribution?
Check out our Event Sponsorship Package for more information.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Julie Tafel Klaus (Chair)
Constance Benrud (Vice Chair)
Tumsheen Qureshi (Treasurer)
Julie Cook (Secretary)
Scott Barbeau (Co-founder)
Sue Bernstein
Michael Campbell
Doak Elliott
Richard Johnson (Co-founder)
Jennifer Kim
Lisa Madonia
Daniel Marcus (Co-founder)
Ramon Munoz
Patti O’Neil
Leon Reed
Kristin Schrepferman (Executive Director)
Carol Thompson
Kathy Campbell Wolf
EVENTS COMMITTEE
Constance Benrud
Julie Cook
Kevin Cook
Abigail Kanes
Elizabeth Bower Kent
Jennifer Kim
Julie Tafel Klaus
Wamuyu Munyiri
Kristin Schrepferman (Executive Director)
Julia Sistachs (Events & Communications Manager)
Carol Thompson
Cassandra Wade
Kathy Campbell Wolf
ASSOCIATE BOARD
Ashley Bailey
Aneil Baron
Reginald Brown
Erin Campbell
Alyssa Cutcher
Danielle Diol
Maddie Guarino
Patrick Gubbins
Kathryn Gustafson (Co-Chair)
Avery Hellweg
Sydney Johnson (Secretary)
Abigail Kanes
Jason Kuker (Co-Chair)
Mary Mallon
Wamuyu Munyiri
Julia Sistachs
Jack Thompson
Cassandra Wade
Daniel Weber