SVP Calgary Annual General Meeting
Join us for our Annual General Meeting. This is an excellent opportunity for partners to learn more about our plans for the upcoming season. Come out and mingle with your fellow partners and representatives from our Investees.
Began: Thursday, October 05, 2006 6:00 PM
Ended: Thursday, October 05, 2006 8:00 PM
At: Virginia Christopher Fine Art Gallery (816 - 11th Ave SW)

2006 Social Venture Partners Calgary International Conference
Partners, staff, Investees and guests from across the international network are invited to attend this two day event. For more information please contact Cammie or Noelle at 266-5305.
Began: Friday, October 20, 2006 8:00 AM
Ended: Saturday, October 21, 2006 5:00 PM
At: Denver, Colorado

SVP Calgary Hunger Banquet
Hosted by well-known media personality and documentarian Rick Castlione, this event will serve as a real-world example of the realities of world hunger and poverty that are prevalent today. Everyone on earth has the same basic needs, it is only our circumstances—where we live and the culture that we are born into that differ. Some are born into relative prosperity and security, while millions—by no choice of their own—are born into poverty. As such, when participating in this event, you will be randomly assigned to a specific demographic: High Income, Middle Income, or Low Income. The amount of people that are relegated to each section will reflect the actual populations that exist. The various groups will also be served meals that are typical of their income level—you may eat a succulent meal, or you may dine on what the rest of the world eats. Through the course of the Banquet there will be activities and presentations that seek to highlight the effect of poverty on the so-called “third-world”. This event is being presented by SVP Kids, who will use a portion of the evening’s revenue to fund their granting cycle for the year. This money will then be reinvested by the children into the nonprofit organization of their choice. Furthermore, the net proceeds will go to Operation Eyesight Universal, an international not for profit organization that provides funds for cataract surgery in the developing regions of the world. Tickets for this educational event are $20 each or $30 per couple. Tickets may also be purchased at our family rate of $50 and can be obtained by contacting Tristan Klassen at 266-5305 or tklassen@svpcalgary.org.
Began: Friday, June 16, 2006 5:00 PM
Ended: Friday, June 16, 2006 6:30 PM
At: Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre

Annual Planning Day
Our Annual Planning Day was held on April 29th and it was extremely beneficial to receive everyone’s input. Partners were asked to reflect on their experiences thus far with SVP Calgary as well as their wishes for the future. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis was conducted by the group, and the Partners were able to hear a presentation by a group of students from the Applied Nonprofit Degree program at Mount Royal College regarding their analysis of our strategic plan. Partner input also helped to narrow down what we want to work on in the coming year. The areas that will be concentrated on are: (1)Improving Partner education, (2) Focusing on the growth of SVP Calgary and (3) The development of SVP Kids
Began: Saturday, April 29, 2006 9:00 AM
Ended: Saturday, April 29, 2006 3:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Safe Streets Safe Cities Conference 2006
SVP Calgary is proud to be one of the sponsors for the Safe Streets Safe Cities Conference 2006. This event brings together renowned experts to discuss solutions and find answers to urban scourges such as drugs, crime, prostitution, poverty and homelessness. Held at the Roundup Centre from April 4 – 6 , the conference will feature such speakers as Janet Reno - former U.S. Attorney General, Jim Diers - former director of Seattle’s Department of Neighbourhoods and author of Neighbour Power: Building Community the Seattle Way, John Sewell - consultant, community activist and former Mayor of Toronto, Curtis Meadows - Director Emeritus of the Meadows Foundation of Texas and Chair, National Center for Family Philanthropy, Washington, D.C., and many more! For more information, and to register, please visit the Safe Streets Safe Cities Conference website at http://safestreetssafecities.com/
Began: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 9:00 AM
Ended: Thursday, April 06, 2006 4:00 PM
At: Calgary Roundup Centre

Investing With Passion – A Talk With Curtis Meadows
SVP Calgary is very proud to present Curtis Meadows on April 3rd at 5:30. Mr. Meadows will be speaking on how to invest with passion based on his 18 years of experience as the president and CEO of the Meadows Foundation of Texas. During his tenure, this foundation’s assets grew from $60 million to almost $735 million, while dispensing more than $270 million in gifts and grants to assist the work of charitable and community organizations in Texas. The Meadows Foundation is also known for revitalizing the Wilson Historic District in Dallas. The District was established in 1981 with a two-fold objective to restore and preserve some of the last Victorian structures in the city and to create a community of nonprofit agencies working collaboratively with one another in rent-free office space. Today, the District encompasses 22 acres and provides homes for 25 nonprofit agencies in restored homes and new construction. Please call Tristan Klassen at 266-5305 to RSVP for this amazing event.
Began: Monday, April 03, 2006 5:30 PM
Ended: Monday, April 03, 2006 7:00 PM
At:

SVP Calgary Wine and Cheese – Combining the Power of Business and the Passion of Philanthropy
This is an informal get together aimed at people who might be interested in learning more about SVP Calgary. We are asking all Partners to invite their friends, family and colleagues to attend this event. If you know someone who is coming to this event please contact Tristan at 266-5305 or tklassen@svpcalgary.org to RSVP.
Began: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 7:00 PM
Ended: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 9:00 PM
At: Home of Rob and Judy LeSourd

How to Use Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Change – A Lunch with Malcolm Burrows
This is an education event open to all Partners and their guests. Malcolm Burrows is a charitable gift planning professional with 13 years experience working at major charities. He is a nationally known speaker on philanthropy and everyone who has heard him speak highly recommends him. If you are interested in taking part please RSVP to Tristan at 266-5305 or tklassen@svpcalgary.org.
Began: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 12:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 12:00 PM
At: The Glencoe Club

Lunch at SVP Calgary: The Next Generation of Philanthropy

Began: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:00 PM
Ended: Thursday, March 16, 2006 1:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Lunch at SVP Calgary: What is SVP Calgary All About? The Partners Tell All!

Began: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 12:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 1:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding
Watch your mailboxes next week for your invitation to Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, presented by SVP Calgary in support of Servants Anonymous. Come out to this hilarious interactive performance and have a great Italian meal with your fellow Partners. This performance will be held at the Joie De Vivre Banquet Hall on Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 pm. It is an extremely worthwhile event as the net proceeds will go towards supporting the excellent programs and services of Servants Anonymous, so you’ll want to be sure not only to buy a ticket for yourself, but also purchase group tickets for your business, organization or book club. Tickets are only $64.05 per person and going fast, so make sure you get yours today by calling Tristan Klassen at 266-5305, or book your group tickets by calling Nancy at 265-2666 ext. 10
Began: Thursday, February 09, 2006 6:00 PM
Ended: Thursday, February 09, 2006 8:00 PM
At: Joie De Vivre Banquet Hall

CHEW ON THIS! Philanthropy 101 - You, The Philanthropist
When you give money or time to a cause, does it speak directly to something you really care about? This session will give participants the opportunity to explore their personal values and understand how aligning those values with their giving can increase ones personal satisfaction and impact. To attend, call Noelle at 266-5305 or email nbacalso@svpcalgary.org
Began: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 6:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 8:00 PM
At: Home of Krystyne & Andy Williamson

CHEW ON THIS! Philanthropy 201 - Deciding How Much to Give and Giving Vehicles
This session will provide participants with tools for deciding how much they can comfortably afford to donate. We will also explore the question of why there are compelling reasons to donate to your maximum level each year. To attend, call Noelle at 266-5305 or email nbacalso@svpcalgary.org
Began: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 6:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 8:00 PM
At: Home of Michele Dauphinee & Keenan Cannady

CHEW ON THIS! Philanthropy 301 - Imagining Family Potential: Raising Your Children With Philanthropic Values
In a world of entitlement, how do you raise your children so they will embrace philanthropic values? Children need to understand that giving and volunteering create community and help develop what are perhaps the most powerful skills one needs in life: team building, listening and empathy. This session will explore how parents can give their kids a context for giving that will help their family become a charitable family. To attend, call Noelle at 266-5305 or email nbacalso@svpcalgary.org
Began: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 6:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 8:00 PM
At: Home of Judy & Rob LeSourd

SVP Christmas Party
Social Venture Partners Calgary invites you to join us for a Holiday Celebration. Our evening at Zen 8 will feature entertainment by two “Iron Chefs” who will sing, play the Japanese ukulele, and share the secrets of making great sushi. Please RSVP by sending a cheque made payable to Social Venture Partners Calgary, in the amount appropriate to the size of your party to: Social Venture Partners Calgary 400, 119 – 14th Street NW Calgary, AB T2N 1Z8
Began: Monday, November 27, 2006 6:30 PM
Ended: Monday, November 27, 2006 10:00 PM
At: Zen 8

Chew on This - Philanthropy 401: Leadership in Philanthropy
Once you become involved with supporting a particular cause with your money and time, it can raise the question: what more can I do? In this session we will start to explore how individuals can learn to use personal resources other than money, such as skills, networks, reputation and influence, to impact a favourite issue or cause. We hope to also touch on how individuals can play an important role in advocating for the voluntary sector as a whole. To attend, call Noelle at 266-5305 or email nbacalso@svpcalgary.org
Began: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 6:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 8:00 PM
At: Home of Kerry Brown & Hugh Williamson

Annual Planning Day
Planning Day is a once a year opportunity for Partners to reflect on what Social Venture Partners Calgary has accomplished and where we will go in the future. We will review progress made on last year’s objectives and identify our most important objectives for the coming year and how to achieve them. As a Partner your input is very valuable, whether you have been heavily engaged or not. The day will include both facilitated large group discussions and small group planning.
Began: Friday, April 27, 2007 8:00 AM
Ended: Friday, April 27, 2007 1:00 PM
At: Kahanoff Centre 200 1202 Centre Street SE

Profound Possibilities: Organizational Transformation Through Nonprofit Alliances
Mount Royal College's Institute for Nonprofit Studies is pleased to present the 4th Burnett Duckworth & Palmer Seminar on nonprofit issues. Significant issues raised in recent surveys of the nonprofit sector suggest that the current organizational model may not be sustainable. Resource limitations and a lack of capacity to plan for the future are two main concerns that highlight the need for organizational transformation. Jane Arsenault, author of Forging Nonprofit Alliances will be engaging nonprofit leaders in a discussion examining different alliance strategies that could be used to dramatically change the stand-alone agency model that has dominated charitable activity for the past 400 years. For more information visit http://www.mtroyal.ca/nonprofit/lecture.shtml
Began: Thursday, October 19, 2006 9:00 AM
Ended: Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:00 PM
At: Hyatt Regency Hotel

Happy Hour Information Session
Come and bring your prospects to an informal cocktail reception where they can hear about the benefits of becoming a Partner in SVP!
Began: Thursday, November 30, 2006 5:00 PM
Ended: Thursday, November 30, 2006 6:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Recruitment Lunch
Invite your friends to this informal lunch which will feature a presentation of the benefits of becoming a Partner of SVP.
Began: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 12:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 1:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Recruitment Lunch
Invite your friends to this informal lunch which will feature a presentation of the benefits of becoming a Partner of SVP.
Began: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 1:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Recruiting Committee Meeting

Began: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Boardroom

SVP Kids Philanthropy School
Behind every issue we read about in the newspaper, whether its homelessness, hunger, poverty or the like, there are people just like you or me who are affected. Gaining a respect and understanding for the people who are impacted by an issue is an extremely important part of good grantmaking. During this second classroom session of SVP Kids Philanthropy School, children will have an opportunity to speak with people directly affected by homelessness and will have an opportunity to examine their own beliefs about such people. The class takes place Sunday, November 26th 2:00pm to 3:30pm at the SVP Calgary office. To register your child, call Noelle at 266-5305 or email nbacalso@svpcalgary.org
Began: Sunday, November 26, 2006 2:00 PM
Ended: Sunday, November 26, 2006 3:30 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

SVP Kids Philanthropy Class
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Began: Monday, February 12, 2007 5:30 PM
Ended: Monday, February 12, 2007 7:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary office

Recruitment Lunch

Began: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 12:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, March 06, 2007 1:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Recruitment Lunch

Began: Thursday, March 15, 2007 1:00 PM
Ended: Thursday, March 15, 2007 2:00 PM
At: Phillips, Hager & North Boardroom

Recruitment Wine & Cheese

Began: Thursday, March 29, 2007 4:30 PM
Ended: Thursday, March 29, 2007 6:30 PM
At: JF Mackie Boardroom

Chew on This - Philanthropy 501: International Giving
Many of the most compelling and challenging issues in philanthropy today are global in nature and international in scope. Charity begins at home, but it doesn’t end there. Tim Draimin, Executive Director of Tides Canada Foundation, will share with participants some of the good reasons there are for giving internationally and best practices for international giving.
Began: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 8:30 PM
Ended: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 10:00 PM
At: Home of Melissa Best

SVP Seeks prospects for March Membership Month
SVP has a number of events in the coming weeks that are sure to show your associates the impact of our engaged philanthropy model in the community. If you have any contacts that you believe would be interested in learning more about Social Venture Partners and the opportunities we provide to get involved in organizations serving children and youth, please do not hesitate to invite them to one or more of the following events: 1. Tuesday, March 6th (Noon): Recruitment Lunch, SVP Calgary Office 2. Thursday, March 15th (Noon): Recruitment Lunch, Phillips, Hager & North Boardroom 3. Tuesday, March 20th (7:30 pm - 9:00 pm): Chew on This - Philanthropy 501: International Giving (Guest Speaker - Tim Draimin, Tides Canada), Home of Melissa Best 4. Thursday, March 29th (4:30 pm - 6:30 pm): Recruitment Wine & Cheese, JF Mackie Boardroom
Began: Thursday, February 15, 2007 12:00 AM
Ended: Saturday, March 31, 2007 1:00 AM
At:

Pre-Planning Evening
Come join us for an evening of high level discussions where we will reflect on what Social Venture Partners Calgary has accomplished and where we will be going in the future. In a relaxed and informal setting, we will discuss how to capitalize on our organization’s strengths and how to address our weaknesses. This is also a wonderful opportunity to socialize and relax with other Partners. We hope that this evening will both inform and inspire our planning for the following day.
Began: Thursday, April 26, 2007 7:30 PM
Ended: Thursday, April 26, 2007 9:30 PM
At: Home of Michele Dauphinee and Keenan Cannady

SVP Grant Announcement 2007
Can we really solve homelessness in 10 years? Are we willing to do what it takes to help people and stop warehousing them? Watch for a provocative event in the afternoon on Saturday, June 9th where we'll learn about an innovative program and announce our 2007/08 grants -- including the SVP Kids' selection.
Began: Friday, May 11, 2007 12:00 AM
Ended:
At:

2007 Grant Announcement
Social Venture Partners presents a Special screening of Downtown Dawgs: The Road to the Homeless World Cup
Click to see the trailer of the film
Click here to purchase tickets
Click to see the details of the event
Began: Saturday, June 09, 2007 3:30 PM
Ended: Saturday, June 09, 2007 6:00 PM
At: The Globe Cinema 617 8th Ave SW

SVP Calgary Information Session
Interested in learning more about SVP Calgary and the great work we are doing in the community? Then this information session is for you! If you or someone you know is interested in attending contact Cammie or Noelle at 266-5305 or director@svpcalgary.org
Began: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 12:00 PM
Ended: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 1:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office (400, 119 - 14th Street NW)

SVPI International Conference
Meet SVP Partners and staff from across North America, representing 24 SVP affiliates and hear how they are impacting their communities is a powerful way. The amount of good work that is being done throughout the network is truly awe inspiring! Visit the SVPI website for more information: www.svpi.org
Began: Friday, October 12, 2007 8:00 AM
Ended: Saturday, October 13, 2007 4:00 PM
At: Seattle, Washington

SVP Calgary Annual General Meeting
Reconnect with your fellow Partners, learn more about how your money was invested last year and what plans we have for the upcoming year. Enjoy gourmet appetizers while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the historic Lougheed House. To RSVP please contact Cammie /Noelle at 266-5305 or director@svpcalgary.org
Began: Monday, October 22, 2007 6:30 PM
Ended: Monday, October 22, 2007 8:30 PM
At: The Lougheed House (707 – 13th Ave SW)

The Spirit of Giving
SVP KIDS are hosting a family dinner and dance at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre. There will be lots of activities for all ages - come and join the fun. To RSVP or get more information contact the director(s) or Joanne Carry (jcarry@shaw.ca)
Began: Saturday, November 10, 2007 6:00 PM
Ended: Saturday, November 10, 2007 11:00 PM
At: Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre

GET SMART
Issues facing children and youth will be addressed by a panel of experts on the topic.
Began: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 5:30 PM
Ended: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 7:30 PM
At: SVPC office

Chew On This
Pat Rice and Allison McDonald, Capacity Building Coordinator, United Way of Calgary address the most important challenge currently facing nonprofit agencies in Calgary. Hear why grant makers need to fund not only important programs for children and youth, but also the resources needed to make these programs happen.
Began: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 6:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:00 PM
At: Home of Michele Dauphinee & Keenan Cannady

SVPC WINE & CHEESE
Membership presentation introducing the concepts of engaged philanthropy and extending the invitation to SVP Partnership to colleagues and friends.
Began: Thursday, November 29, 2007 4:30 PM
Ended: Thursday, November 29, 2007 6:30 PM
At: Energy Plaza, Plus 15 Boardroom

SVP Calgary Christmas Celebration
It is that time of year again! Time for Partners to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season. This year we have organized a fun "night out on the town" at one of Calgary's newest and hippest restaurants - BLVD (pronounced "boulevard") Lounge, co-owned by SVP Calgary Partners Dayan Hanson and Leith Pederson. BLVD's very private "Viper Room" will be the scene of our celebration which will include a lovely three-course meal complete with wine. Our special guest speaker for the evening will be Ray Baydala from ChristmasFuture.org, an organization that encourages people to divert a portion of their Christmas spending to development projects in the the third world (www.christmasfuture.org). Watch your mailboxes for the invitation to this very special event! Space is limited to 40 people so reserve your seats asap. RSVP by December 5th to Cammie/Noelle at director@svpcalgary.org, indicating how many in your party will be attending and your dinner selection (fish, chicken or lamb).
Began: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 6:30 PM
Ended:
At: BLVD Lounge (150, 1800 - 4th Street SW)

SVP Kids to Volunteer with local seniors
SVP Kids will spend an afternoon tea with seniors at a local care facility doing crafts, singing songs and playing games. These visits are much anticipated by the seniors as they enjoy the company and fellowship of our SVP Kids. This volunteer activity will take place from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Bethany Care Centre (916, 18A Street NW). Contact Cammie/Noelle if your child is interested in participated in this volunteer opportunity.
Began: Sunday, December 09, 2007 1:00 PM
Ended: Sunday, December 09, 2007 3:00 PM
At:

Get Smart #3
Get Smart sessions aren’t just for Investment Committee members – they are open to the entire Partnership! Come and attend: Panel Discussion with Cst. Garrett Swihart, Youth at Risk Development Unit and Greg Verhappen, Principal of Father Scollen School.
Began: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 5:30 PM
Ended: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 7:00 PM
At: SVP Calgary Office

Get Smart #4
Get Smart sessions aren’t just for Investment Committee members – they are open to the entire Partnership! Come and attend: Discussion with Merrill Cooper, author of Vulnerable Youth in Calgary and When Spider Webs Unite: Child and Youth Sector Trends and Issues.
Began: Friday, November 23, 2007 12:00 AM
Ended:
At: SVP Calgary Office

CHEW ON THIS: Fireside Chat with Philanthropist Harley Hotchkiss
What Calgarian doesn’t know the name Harley Hotchkiss? Mr. Hotchkiss is a business and community leader who has made great contributions to health and sports development in Calgary and Canada. His list of life accomplishments reads like a man who has done it all and then some……lead supporter for the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, part owner of the Calgary Flames, former chair of the National Hockey League's board of governors, volunteer extraordinaire, friend to Boone Pickens and father of five. Harley Hotchkiss is a philanthropist who has left an indelible mark on the city. So what has motivated Mr. Hotchkiss philanthropically? What has been his most satisfying volunteer experience? How does it feel to have changed the community with your time and energy?
Began: Thursday, February 21, 2008 6:00 PM
Ended: Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:00 PM
At: Home of Judy & Rob LeSourd

CHEW ON THIS: To Be On a Non-Profit Board (or Not To Be)
Being on a nonprofit Board can be one of the most rewarding and challenging volunteer experiences a person can undertake! However, the duties and responsibilities can seem mysterious if you only have experience in the for-profit world. Come and hear the personal stories of two people who have a great deal of experience being on nonprofit Boards. Brian Boulanger is Senior Vice-President of ARC Financial Corp., a leading private equity firm focused on the energy industry with $1.9 billion in capital under management. In his spare time Brian is active with the United Way of Calgary and serves as the 2007/08 Vice Chair of the Board. David Byler, Executive VP, Natural Gas and Renewable Energy Suncor Energy Inc., is a 27-year Suncor veteran who has held senior positions in finance, information technology and human resources. David is currently on three Boards; the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Clean Air Strategic Alliance and Trout Unlimited. Find out what keeps these gentlemen coming back for more non-profit Board experience. What is the time commitment like on a Board? What are the personal benefits for taking the plunge?
Began: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 6:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 8:00 PM
At: TBA

CHEW ON THIS: Reflecting on Afghanistan
Did you know that Afghanistan was once a land described as a trekkers’ paradise and world-renowned for its residents’ hospitality. There was a time in urban centers prior to the Taliban when more than 70% of teachers, 40% of doctors and 50% of government workers were women. Now as the country emerges from twenty years of war, the women of Afghanistan continue to try and overcome crushing poverty and oppression. Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAfghan) is a volunteer solidarity network founded in 1996. With fourteen chapters across Canada the group works to support rights and opportunities for Afghan women and girls. Come and hear from CW4WAfghan’s executive director Janice Eisenhauer about how they are raising awareness of the need to secure and protect human rights and opportunities for Afghan women and how they are supporting Afghan women in education, health care and skill development. With Canadian troops still very actively engaged in Afghanistan this session is a do not miss event!
Began: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:00 PM
Ended: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:00 PM
At: Home of Deborah & Ted Alexander

SVP Calgary Book Club: Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children by John Wood
Come and join us for a good, old fashion book club meeting! You have four months to get a hold of John Wood’s new book, Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, read it and then join us for a discussion about the book over dinner at a local restaurant. In his book Wood takes the reader on an engaging journey from his life as a rather ordinary marketing director at Microsoft, through the transformative decision to launch the nonprofit organization Room to Read (www.roomtoread.org). Room to Read has created more than 4,000 schools and libraries for children across Asia and donated 1.4 million books. From his first trip to Nepal, where he was struck by the country's 70% illiteracy rate, through his courageous decision to leave Microsoft, to the logistics of growing and expanding the Room to Read initiative, Wood endears himself to the reader with his introspection and honesty. Crediting his former employer with giving him the business skills and drive to aim high, he outlines the concrete steps he took to make his vision a reality.
Began: Thursday, May 15, 2008 6:30 PM
Ended: Thursday, May 15, 2008 8:30 PM
At: TBA

SVP Calgary Membership Open House
Putting the “Social” back into “Social Venture Partners”! This year’s membership campaign is all about minimizing your efforts and maximizing the fun! We have set up a few social events over the coming months, the first of which is the following: Thursday, April 24th Crush Restaurant (1312 – 12th Avenue SW) 5:30 to 8:00 pm (open house format – come at any time) What we need our Partners to do is: - Come to this event - Bring a couple of people who you think might be interested in SVP Calgary - Have some fun! Enjoy a few drinks, some tasty appetizers, visit with other Partners and introduce the benefits of SVP Calgary to your invited friends and colleagues. - Leave the work to us – a small group of us Partners and staff will work the room, introducing your guests to other Partners and talking up the benefits of SVP Calgary. We will also be responsible for following up with your guests after the evening is through. So really, all we need you to do is come with a few guests who may have an interest in SVP Calgary and have a good time! Over the next couple of weeks, you will be personally contacted by someone on the Membership Committee to see if you can attend this event with some guests who might be interested in SVP Calgary. Even if you can’t make it, we could still use your help generating prospects, so start thinking of some names that you can provide to us. We will do the work of inviting them to these events and any other SVP events that may be coming up. Thank you in advance for all of your help with this year’s campaign!
Began: Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:30 PM
Ended: Thursday, April 24, 2008 8:00 PM
At: Crush Restaurant, (1312 – 12th Avenue SW)

2008 Grant Announcement
COME CELEBRATE SVP Calgary’s Investments in the Community for 2008! Our Investment Committee has worked extremely hard this year to decide on the best use of Partners’ grant money in the community and they are eager to share their decisions and celebrate! Come join your fellow Partners and representatives from our Investees as we announce our grants for 2008 and hear from guest speaker, Mario Siciliano, President & CEO of Volunteer Calgary. Cocktail Reception (appetizers, cash bar) RSVP to Cammie or Noelle at 266-5305 or director@svpcalgary.org by Wednesday, May 28th.
Began: Monday, June 02, 2008 6:00 PM
Ended: Monday, June 02, 2008 8:00 PM
At: Divino Bistro and Bar (113 – 8th Avenue S.W.)