Spring Forward
Event
The Arbory
2219 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Limited street parking is available, please consider
using a rideshare service or public transportation.
Wine & Dine 5:30 - 7:20 PM
Welcome 7:20 PM
Program & Live Auction 7:45 - 8:30 PM
DJ & After Party 8:30 - 10:00 PM
Cocktail Attire
Tickets on sale until March 28, 2025
Event Sponsors
Event Speakers
Sydney Johnson
Associate Board Member
Teacher at Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten
Danielle Diol
Associate Board Member
Teacher at Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten
Honorary Speakers
Chimfwembe Ng’oma
Head Teacher, Hope Community School, Zambia
Elena Sarahí
Las Tias, Nicaragua
(Virtual)
Verna Swan
Peace Campus Manager
We Grow Chicago, USA
David
Entreamigos, Mexico
(Virtual)
Since 2007, Spark Ventures has been cultivating meaningful change by investing in grassroots organizations in Zambia, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chicago who implement sustainable solutions that empower their under-resourced communities. Today we remain steadfast in our commitment to these partnerships as they continue to bloom with potential and possibilities.
Our 2025 Spring Forward event is a celebration of this impact – a powerful reminder of the transformative blooming happening within our partner organizations. By directing human and financial resources to our partners, together, we are fostering sustainability for individuals, organizations, and the environment, creating opportunities to bloom in education, nutrition, healthcare, and employment, and fostering equitable communities.
Join us for an unforgettable evening. Hear inspiring stories from Spark Ventures and our partners, witness the remarkable impact of their efforts, and contribute to their journey toward a brighter more sustainable future. Together we can help communities continue to bloom and thrive.
DONATE TODAY
What’s Included?
Our Spring Forward event will be a night of connection, inspiration and fun as we come together to celebrate and support Spark’s mission.
Your participation supports our partners’ vital work in Zambia, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chicago, helping communities bloom and thrive.
We look forward to seeing you and celebrating the transformative work we’re achieving together!
Raffle
A Long Weekend in Mexico to Visit Entreamigos with Spark
OR a $2,000 travel credit towards any Spark trip
Tickets: $25 for 1, $60 for 3, $100 for 6
*Mexico 5 Days | Nicaragua 5 Days | Zambia 10 Days
*Airfare not included *For one person *Use by 2027
Do not need to be present to win trip raffle
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Board of Directors
Julie Tafel Klaus (Chair), Constance Benrud (Vice Chair), Tumsheen Quershi (Treasurer), Julie Cook (Secretary), Scott Barbeau (Co-founder), Sue Bernstein, Michael Campbell, Doak Elliott, Richard Johnson (Co-founder), Jennifer Kim, Vicki Kraft, Lisa Madonia, Daniel Marcus (Co-founder, Emeritus), Ramon Munoz, Patti O’Neil, Leon Reed, Kristin Schrepferman (Executive Director), Carol Thompson, Kathy Wolf
Events Committee
Constance Benrud, Sue Bernstein, Jeff Breaden, Mike Campbell, Julie Cook, Kevin Cook, Jennifer Kim, Lisa Madonia, Wamuyu Munyiri, Kristin Schrepferman, Julia Sistachs, Colton Stombaugh, Julie Tafel Klaus, Carol Thompson, Cassandra Wade, Kathy Wolf
Associate Board
Katie Gustafson (Co-Chair), Jason Kuker (Co-Chair), Ashley Bailey, Aneil Baron, Erin Campbell, Julie Cook, Alyssa Cutcher, Danielle Diol, Avery Hellweg, Sydney Johnson, Abby Kanes, Mary Mallon, Hailey Radakovitz, Julia Sistachs, Kitsy Smith, Harli Thompson, Jack Thompson, Cassandra Wade, Daniel Weber, Mac Wolf