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.

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 has 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.
	Read More >>