Over three hundred young professionals arrived at the Burroughes in Toronto last Thursday night for the third annual Conspire2Inspire, an event that raises funds, and promotes awareness, about Chai Lifeline Canada.
Dedicated to serving hundreds of Canadian children who suffer from long-term and chronic illnesses, Chai Lifeline Canada provides year round support, free of charge, to families coping with illness. It also offers various programs and services, including a yearly toy drive, after-school initiatives, big brother/sister programs, organized trips to Camp Simcha and Disney World, and more.
Conspire2Inspire, an event organized “by young professionals, for young professionals” according to Chai Lifeline Canada’s operations and development manager Lea Hoffman, included a fully open bar, midnight BBQ, sushi bar, glow in the dark dance party and, the kicker, a rooftop party.
Mordechai Rothman, Chai Lifeline Canada’s executive director, told The CJN the main goal of the event was to “reach out to a younger demographic and get them involved for years to come. It’s a young organization. Events like these are not only about fundraising, but about connecting with a new group of people and educating them about our organization”.
The event was unique, Hoffman added, in that it gave attendees the ability to choose where the proceeds go: “We listed the top five programs and guests decided specifically which program the funds will go towards. It certainly got them more involved in the cause.”
“With today’s technology, people want instant results and gratification,” added event volunteer Brandon Weiss. “With Conspire2Inspire, attendees are able to see where their dollars are going and the impact it will have on the children and families supported by Chai Lifeline. The organization is transparent in its effect on people’s lives, it serves a demographic that is looking to give back and get involved, and Conspire2Inspire provides a way to do just that.”
According to Rothman, Chai Lifeline Canada’s long-term goal is to create a group of young professionals who can “choose a tangible program within the organization and take it on as their own, whether that’s through raising funds or through personal, direct involvement.”
