The Art of Fundraising> Spotlight on: Amanda Blakely and Ashleigh Dempster

WOMAN.ca salutes Canada’s Top Belles of the Ball. In our on-going The Art of Fundraising feature, we proudly introduce you to the women for whom being a part of Canadian society means regularly raising millions on its behalf. They are the reason we have public galleries, a chance for a cure, and reform in our public schools. This is the luminous class responsible for the shift from individualism to collaboration, delegation to participation, exteriors to evidence.

The 50s post-war silhouette of a patrician philanthropist highlights the standard issue white gloves pearls, and petticoat. Young women of a certain class were routinely funneled into socially sanctioned philanthropic organizations as a paradigm of a polished upbringing in genteel society. We’ve come a long way from the Junior League sensibility of civic service. These days, a fresh breed of fundraising mavens have appeared on the scene, innovating new strategies and reinventing old standbys. WOMAN.ca simply loves Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakely. The Young and the Entrepreneurial are taking the lead in major giving, setting a new style of “venture philanthropy”.

canadian_fundrasing WOMAN: What committees have you served on and how did you get involved?

We are the co-chairs of the Boobyball, a breast cancer fundraiser dedicated to Amanda's best friend of over 20 years. The event was conceived to help raise the spirits of a young woman fighting for her life. Since the inaugural event in 2002, the Boobyball has raised almost half a million dollars for the cause and helped cultivate a new legion of supporters to take up the fight. We're on the committee for The Innovators Ball, in support of The Ontario Science Center. We also worked on Casablanca for The Jocelyn Foundation - promoting constructive and open dialogue concerning violence against women.

WOMAN: Who is your A-team: photographer, florist, event planner, PR person?

Photographers: Bohdan Turok for beautiful fashion-spread-like portraits, Russell Vance for great candid shots and Scott Ramsay for cool photo lounges and fun activations.

PR: We are lucky to have close friends who run their own agencies and always pitch in where possible - Candice Best at Best PR Boutique, Tim Gallant and Laura Simpson at Empire PR.

Florists: Chad Finucan Floral Designs and Rosie at Quince flowers are really talented.

WOMAN: Is there such a thing as too much press at a fundraiser?

Our experience has taught us that any press is good press when it comes to charity events. However, key pieces in relevant and targeted publications are the most effective. We have embarked on many new sponsor relationships as an outcome of great press.

hip_charities WOMAN: Was there a tradition of charitable giving in your family? Any special memories around that?

AD: Yes, there is definitely a tradition of charitable giving in my family. A few years ago my mom told me about a time that she left a number of Christmas presents on the doorstep of a family that had encountered financial difficulties that year. The reason she didn't tell me until I was older was because my brothers and I were in the same classes as the children that she had done this for. The charitable anonymity of my mother's actions left a very strong impression on me.

AB: Absolutely - I remember my parents generosity from the time I was very young. From toy drives and The United Way to adopting a new immigrant family from El Salvador through a local immigration charity, my mother was a self-proclaimed do-gooder and has passed that passion on to her children.

WOMAN: Where does your philanthropic drive come from?

AD: It's not about having access to a pile of resources, contacts and funds to create change and give back. It's about understanding the enormous potential each individual has and the ability to make a difference.

AB: It developed over time, but was triggered by Sarah's sudden illness. Her breast cancer diagnosis cut me deeply and awakened me to the pain and sorrow that so many people deal with every day, often times alone and frightened. Cause marketing is not only about raising awareness. It can provide invaluable support and comfort for those struggling to cope.

youth_volunteers WOMAN: What contribution that you've made do you feel is the most important?

We try to make philanthropy relevant to our demographic. Younger Canadians need to be engaged. The Boobyball has helped usher in a new era of 'party for a cause', which connects to our generation's sensibilities and tastes. People can now have a fun night out and feel like they're contributing to a worthwhile cause.

WOMAN: What has been your top achievement so far?

We are most proud of ourselves for successfully launching The Society - a culture club for the creative class. In the past year we have worked very hard at promoting the arts in the lives of our members. It is such an exciting time to be a Toronto citizen. The arts revival in our city is at an all time high. We'd like to think that our initiatives through The Society have played a small role in mobilizing our audience to take notice and start engaging in the arts.

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si Penaloza is the Editorial Director of WOMAN.ca. Prior to joining WOMAN.ca's powerhouse executive team, Si Si cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives. Contact Si Si at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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