DBSA e-Update June 2007: Join the Fun(d)

Hundreds of Young Chicago Professionals
Attend “Dave’s Spark” Event

Chicago’s young professionals turned out in droves for an exciting evening of music, mirth and merriment to support "Dave’s Spark: Start Something," a newly formed DBSA fund, on Saturday, June 9. The event, co-sponsored by DBSA, featured live music, courtesy of local favorite Dr. Bombay, a silent auction and delicious cuisine by Chicago-area caterer Food Evolution.

More than 400 tickets were sold to the first-ever “Let the Music Play” benefit, with attendees paying between $150 and $300 per person to help DBSA and Dave’s Spark raise awareness and provide support to families confronted with bipolar disorder. Dave’s Spark honors the memory of David Kaplan, a mentor, father of three and Chicago business entrepreneur who lived with bipolar disorder. A percentage of the proceeds from “Let the Music Play” will also help establish a scholarship fund for financially disadvantaged kids at Kaplan’s high school alma mater, The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass.

"Event organizers are still tallying up the amount raised, but projections from ticket sales and a silent auction are looking great," said Ilda Lagunas, DBSA Director of Individual Giving.

“The attendees were very enthusiastic and were extremely committed to making sure the event was a success,” she said. “There was a lot of love in the room and it was exciting to see so many young professionals, many of whom knew Dave Kaplan well, committing themselves to making sure his life and memory would be sustained through Dave’s Spark.”

Orlando Friends Reception to Help Chapter Leaders

The DBSA National Conference’s Friends Reception in Orlando, Fla., on Friday evening, August 10, stands to be a magical night of fireworks, food, drink, laughs and more. The highly anticipated event allows conference attendees to reminisce with old friends and meet new ones, with the proceeds benefiting DBSA’s Chapter Leadership Forum (CLF) Scholarship Fund. 

Each $50 ticket purchased helps one of DBSA’s 400-plus local chapter leaders attend a DBSA Conference and the Chapter Leadership Forum that takes place the day before the conference. CLF helps DBSA chapter representatives improve their leadership skills so they can more effectively achieve positive change in their communities through advocacy, community outreach, education and support.

The reception also provides an opportunity for attendees and supporters to get to know DBSA’s national staff, many of whom will be on hand to answer questions and share ideas and concerns.

Sharing hope, help and support at the Friends Reception will help friends in a DBSA chapter do the same in their communities. Tickets can be purchased along with conference registration or by clicking here. And clicking on the card below will send friends an e-card invitation to join the fun … and join the fund!

Those unable to attend the conference can still be part of the fun(d) by clicking here.