CEOs, Entrepreneurs Lend Support to S.P.A.R.K., Youth Empowerment Event
New York, NY (PRWEB) October 24, 2013 -- Canopy Brand Group, a New York City-based branding and advertising agency, is joining forces with Wishbone, (wishbone.org), to break the cycle of high school drop-outs in NYC students. Through an innovative empowerment and learning initiative, S.P.A.R.K. (Smart, Powerful, and Remarkable Kids), Canopy hopes to give low-income youth the opportunity to reach their educational potential and experience real life mentoring by some of the city's top business professionals.
This unique initiative will be inaugurated at the S.P.A.R.K. youth empowerment event and fundraiser on November 12th at the Art Director's Club in midtown Manhattan. Highlight of the event is an interactive panel discussion focused on igniting and inspiring students from NYC high schools to apply for scholarships under the auspices of Wishbone. A panel of entrepreneurs, dedicated to changing the paradigm for youth achievement and success, include: Beth Bugdaycay, CEO & Co-Founder, Rebecca Taylor, Brooke Danielson, Associate Editor, GLAMOUR, Marc Sampogna, Founder and Managing Director, Canopy Brand Group, Marie Camaya, Senior Director of Event Marketing, Nickelodeon, and Mark French, Founder, Court Grip and Partner, Mission Athletecare. The interactive discussion will focus on providing the students with real life experiences, insights into achieving goals in school, career and life, and most importantly, establishing mentoring opportunities.
The panel discussion will be followed by a night of entertainment, to include, a high-energy teen fashion show sponsored by Aéropostale and styled by celebrity stylist Jay Johnson. The fashion show will highlight job interview fashion trends and proper work attire. Guests will enjoy complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres and VIP attendees can mingle in the exclusive Google lounge. The event will conclude with gift bags filled with great products from some of the event’s sponsors.
Current sponsors include: Bareburger, Arc Document Solutions, Madame Tussauds, Spider-Man on Broadway, Sierra Mist, Tropicana, Origami Owl, Positive Connections to the World, Pirate’s Booty, hook + ALBERT, Urnex, Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups, Ali & Kris, RNN News, Bella PR, New Jersey Resources.
"We believe that our city's youth deserve the opportunity to grow and achieve their dreams, no matter their economic status. That's why Canopy teamed up with Wishbone, one of the city's most dedicated advocates for youth empowerment programs. Through scholarships, after school programs and mentorship opportunities, we hope to "spark" a change and reverse the drop-out rate," says Marc Sampogna, Canopy Brand Group Managing Director and Founder.
“We are thrilled to partner with Canopy in our work to provide opportunities to high-potential, low-income high school students in the New York City region. Our goal is to inspire students to redefine their future and pursue their passions. The S.P.A.R.K. event will support this mission in exposing students to a variety of professionals and exciting career paths,” says Beth Schmidt, Wishbone Founder and Executive Director.
Proceeds from the event will fund Wishbone's scholarship and out-of-school opportunities for recipients. In addition, youth will be afforded the opportunity to apply for internships offered by select panelists. The inaugural event will also afford students with opportunities to chat with panelists, get tips on interviewing and establish mentor relationships for the future.
Both general admission ($50) and VIP tickets ($75) are now available for purchase at http://www.SparkforChange.org. For more information, please visit the event’s official website, and remember to S.P.A.R.K. a change toward our youth’s future!
About Canopy Brand Group
Canopy Brand Group is a marketing and creative agency dedicated to the sentiment of Ideas Without Borders. It's focus is on consumer-driven branding, design and digital solutions. Canopy strives to turn ideas into ownable moments for client brands to create immediate and ongoing consumer engagement. Nestled in New York City, the agency is rich with big brand experience and an entrepreneurial spirit. Marc Sampogna founded the agency in 2008. Frank Sampogna, Marc’s father, joined Canopy as Chairman, building upon a distinguished career leading prominent advertising agencies and accounts.
About Wishbone
Wishbone.org is fighting the “opportunity gap” in America by providing a scalable service for low-income students to discover, access and afford quality after school and summer programs.
Low-income families in our own backyard are out-spent 10-1 on opportunities for their students. By pursing their interests and passions, Wishbone's students have found engagement in school and curiosity for learning.
Ahlilah Longmire, [email protected], http://www.canopybrandgroup.com, 646-476-5476, [email protected]
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