The countdown has begun for the SEMO Foundation's annual fundraising gala.
The Cloverdale charity recently announced its annual 鈥淚nspire鈥 fundraiser鈥攕tylized as #INSPIRE2024鈥攚ill take place in November, one month from now, at the Taj Park Convention Centre in 性视界传媒.
鈥淎fter two years of the summer rooftop event, we had many requests to go back to the evening format,鈥 Manny Kang, director of the SEMO Foundation, told the Cloverdale Reporter. 鈥淲e have planned for live performers and also will open up the dance floor this year.鈥
Kang said the new venue will allow for about 400 people to attend.
The event will be hosted by MC Sonia West, have live music, a house DJ, and feature raffles and prize draws.
Kang said as the fundraising initiative has just started, they鈥檒l be highlighting their sponsors over the next few weeks in the lead up to the gala.
Kang noted the event will support five local charities this year: the 性视界传媒 Food Bank (for its 鈥淔ood Support and Tiny Bundles鈥 programs), the 性视界传媒 Christmas Bureau (for its 鈥淎dopt-A-Family鈥 program), the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre (housing and support), Team Keian (which supports families affected by childhood cancer), and the SEMO Army (the foundation's community relief and food drive volunteer group).
The net proceeds from #INSPIRE2024 will go to support the aforementioned charities as they embark on their winter programs.
The foundation, a non-profit, sends all funds from their events and fundraisers to registered charity groups and local individuals that may need support. The idea, the foundation noted, is to help those with 鈥渄ay-to-day needs.鈥
According to the SEMO Foundation, the INSPIRE fundraisers have raised more than $200,000 over the past few years.
Kang previously told the Cloverdale Reporter, INSPIRE is so-named because the foundation鈥檚 goal through the event, apart from raising funds for various charities, is to inspire people to volunteer in some capacity.
鈥淚f we can inspire one person to come forward and say, 鈥楬ey, it鈥檚 pretty cool what you guys are doing, I have an idea in mind, I just don鈥檛 know how to execute it.鈥 That鈥檚 what we stand for. It鈥檚 our message through this event.鈥
Kang said SEMO鈥檚 mantra is 鈥渇ood, clothes, and shelter.鈥 Those are the three causes that drive the foundation and its supporters, supporters they endearingly call the 鈥淪EMO Army.鈥
The volunteer-run foundation has hosted galas, sports tournaments, and other fundraisers over the years. They also partner with other companies and groups to help with a wide range of charitable opportunities.
The SEMO Foundation was created 23 years ago when Kang鈥檚 mother, Tarsem Kaur Kang, passed away. Her nickname was 鈥淪emo鈥 and she was passionate about fundraising and helping others. Kang said his mom educated her family about the importance of service and volunteering. As such, the SEMO Foundation鈥檚 mission was forged in the quest to help those in need.
鈥淲e do all of this in her memory,鈥 Kang said. 鈥淭his is her legacy, helping others.鈥
The gala will be held Nov. 9 at Taj Park Convention Centre located at 8580 132nd Street in 性视界传媒. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Tickets for the event are $75 (general admission), $100 (reserved), and $150 (VIP).
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