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SEMO Foundation to host gala fundraiser for local charities

Cloverdale charity to host gala at Taj Park Convention Centre
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Guests of the SEMO Foundation attend the INSPIRE fundraiser in 2022. This year the event returns on Nov. 9. (Photo: Malin Jordan)

The countdown has begun for the SEMO Foundation's annual fundraising gala.

The Cloverdale charity recently announced its annual “Inspire” fundraiser—stylized as #INSPIRE2024—will take place in November, one month from now, at the Taj Park Convention Centre in Surrey.

“After two years of the summer rooftop event, we had many requests to go back to the evening format,” Manny Kang, director of the SEMO Foundation, told the Cloverdale Reporter. “We have planned for live performers and also will open up the dance floor this year.”

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’ll 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 Surrey Food Bank (for its “Food Support and Tiny Bundles” programs), the Surrey Christmas Bureau (for its “Adopt-A-Family” 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 “day-to-day needs.”

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’s goal through the event, apart from raising funds for various charities, is to inspire people to volunteer in some capacity.

“If we can inspire one person to come forward and say, ‘Hey, it’s pretty cool what you guys are doing, I have an idea in mind, I just don’t know how to execute it.’ That’s what we stand for. It’s our message through this event.”

Kang said SEMO’s mantra is “food, clothes, and shelter.” Those are the three causes that drive the foundation and its supporters, supporters they endearingly call the “SEMO Army.”

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’s mother, Tarsem Kaur Kang, passed away. Her nickname was “Semo” 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’s mission was forged in the quest to help those in need.

“We do all of this in her memory,” Kang said. “This is her legacy, helping others.”

The gala will be held Nov. 9 at Taj Park Convention Centre located at 8580 132nd Street in Surrey. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $75 (general admission), $100 (reserved), and $150 (VIP).

Visit semofoundation.com for more info, or to get tickets.



Malin Jordan

About the Author: Malin Jordan

Malin is the editor of the Cloverdale Reporter.
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