Breakfast of Champions in support of SickKids is an annual fundraising and networking event that provides young professionals with the opportunity to enjoy an intimate breakfast with some of Canada’s most celebrated business and community leaders.
Approximately 35 leaders (“champions”) take part and each one is seated at a table with up to 10 young professionals. Attendees have the opportunity to listen to the champion’s story, receive candid career advice, and hear an inspiring keynote address. Previous keynote speakers have included Isadore Sharp, founder of Four Seasons Hotels, Tim Leiweke, former CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and John Tory, Mayor of Toronto.

• Breakfast of Champions was a sold-out event in 2015 and 2016 involving 350+ participants each year
• In 2015, Knactivate contributed to growth in sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, and the event silent auction leading to $150,000 raised with all net proceeds supporting the Possibilities Fund at SickKids
• Knactivate secured Toronto Mayor, John Tory, as the 2015 keynote speaker along with recruiting various other champions
• In 2016, Knactivate developed an event fundraising portal, helped enhance donations, ticket sales, and the event silent auction leading to over $200,000 raised with all net proceeds supporting the Child-Bright Network at SickKids

For more information on Breakfast of Champions, check out:

www.breakfastofchamps.ca

Project Winter Survival is an initiative of the non-profit charity Engage and Change. Project Winter Survival helps the homeless and those living on the street survive during the frigid winter months. Once these kits are packed, they are distributed to over 150 front-line agencies, including the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Covenant House, local shelters, and outreach programs in the Greater Toronto Area who then distribute them directly to the homeless.

• In 2015, Knactivate secured Raptors in-game announcer, Herbie Kuhn, as co-host for the event
• Distributed 3,000 Winter Survival kits thanks to the help of 150+ agencies
• Knactivate secured various kit items and helped enhance the volunteer experience on event day
• In 2016, Knactivate spearheaded the agency application process leading to the largest number of applications and confirmed agency allocations in the 18 year history of the event

For more information on Project Winter Survival, check out:

www.engageandchange.org/#project-winter-survival

Project Water is an initiative of the non-profit charity Engage and Change. Project Water helps the homeless and those living on the street survive during the extreme heat in the summer months. The event involves the packing and distribution of cases of water and summer survival kits. During the 2nd portion of the event, the water and kits are distributed to over 150 front-line social service agencies. These agencies including The Salvation Army, Covenant House, local shelters, and outreach programs in the Greater Toronto Area which distribute the items directly to the homeless.

• Packed and distributed 3,000 survival kits and over 300,000 bottles of water
• Knactivate secured various kit items and helped enhance the volunteer experience on event day
• Improved overall logistics and tracking systems

For more information on Project Water, check out:

www.engageandchange.org/#project-water

The Element Games is the ultimate weekend experience featuring a Survivor-style competition, cash prizes, and adult camp-type activities. Each edition of the event has taken place at the Tamarack Adventure Centre in Bracebridge, Ontario, 2 hours north of Toronto. Participants have the option to staying in a group-style wooden cabin provided by the site or bringing their own tent/tarp!

During the event, which is open to those aged 19+, competitors battle each other in a fun and memorable weekend. Competitors can sign up as individuals, pairs, or as a full ‘Squad’ of 6. Fans are welcome to join in for the fun without competing. The weekend features tons of entertainment including site activities like canoeing, rock climbing, and waterskiing, a live band, DJ party and more.

• The Element Games is an extremely unique event – nothing like it exists
• Massive brand recognition has been generated including close to 30,000 views of event promo videos, 45,000+ visits to the event website, a full page article in the Toronto Star, and exposure in many other publications including the Globe and Mail
• Incredible feedback and testimonials from those who have participated with some calling the event a ‘life-changing’ experience

For more information and for testimonials about the Element Games, check out:

http://www.theelementgames.com

The Intercamp Classic is a multi-sport fundraising event, which raises money to help send underprivileged children to camp. The event has most recently involved male softball, male flag football, and female handball tournaments. It includes campers, staff, and alumni representing various camps who work together to raise money, while engaging in fun competition against each other on the field.

• Conceptualized, conducted market research, and led the ideation process;
• Created proposals, budgets, and qualitative analysis for the concept;
• Determined required resources, responsibilities of the parties involved, initiative logistics, and a marketing plan
• Managed critical paths, volunteers, participants, budgets, sponsorships, meetings, web/online systems, equipment, inventory, catering partners, gratitude and more

• 2010 – With a committed group of volunteers, Josh Howard founded the Intercamp Classic fundraising event in 2010. It began as a 20-team softball tournament raising $38,000 for Project Muso to combat Malaria in West Africa. Funds were matched by former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair’s foundation for a total of $76,000.
• 2011 – The event expanded to include girls’ handball as a second sport and involved 47 teams. $90,000 was raised and proceeds were split 50/50 between the Uganda Spinal Surgery Mission and Kids in Camp Charity.
• 2012 – Flag football was added to the mix and 68 teams participated across the total of 3 different sports. The event included over 800 players and 1,500 people taking into account all attendees. $125,000 was raised in full support of Kids in Camp Charity.
• 2013 – Knactivate’s services were retained by Kids in Camp charity to professionally manage the Intercamp Classic enabling it to hit new heights. During 2013, close to 1,000 participants were recruited. Player fundraising, combined with corporate and personal sponsorships, led to over $180,000 being raised with all net proceeds to Kids in Camp. The event included close to 2,000 attendees between players, fans and volunteers.
• 2014 – The event included 75 teams. $125,000 was raised with all net proceeds to Kids in Camp. The event included close to 2,000 attendees once again and an incredible time was had by all!
• 2015 – The event included 75 teams once again. $125,000 was raised for the 2nd year in a row with all net proceeds to Kids in Camp. The event featured various new camps and sponsors. Close to 2,000 people enjoyed the festivities as usual!
• 2016 – This year’s event raised close to $90,000 with net proceeds going to Kids in camp! Over 1,500 people attended including over 40 teams. Everyone had a fun day while also being able to give back!

For more information on the Intercamp Classic, check out:

http://www.intercampclassic.com

Compete for the Cure is a multi-sport fundraising event, which raises money for Pancreatic Cancer Canada. It was created in honour of Michael Clarfield, a rare survivor of the typically deadly pancreatic cancer. Each year, the event involves a male basketball, male dodgeball, and female dodgeball tournament. It takes place at Hoopdome in Toronto and includes high school students representing schools from across the city. Students work together to raise money, while engaging in fun competition against each other on the court.

• Conducted market research, created proposals, budget, and qualitative analysis for the concept;
• Determined required resources, responsibilities of the parties involved, initiative logistics, and a marketing plan;
• Managed critical path, budget, participants, volunteers, sponsorships, meetings, web/online systems, digital strategy, program booklet, signage, scheduling, jerseys, promotional products, entertainment, insurance and more; and
• Consulted on social media, video marketing, in-kind donations, fundraising incentives, equipment, inventory, graphic design, catering, referees, gratitude and more

• 2014 – Compete for the Cure included 300 participants and close to 400 total attendees. Over $80,000 was raised for Pancreatic Cancer Canada to be used towards research and to support those afflicted with the disease.
• 2015 – Compete for the Cure included 320 participants and close to 480 total attendees. Over $100,000 was raised in support of Pancreatic Cancer Canada. Awareness regarding pancreatic cancer was generated across several media outlets including the Globe and Mail and the Metro, which both covered the event and story.
• 2016 – In 2016, the event was once again successful and included 360 participants and close to 500 attendees! Over $120,000 was raised in support of Pancreatic Cancer Canada.
• 2017 – Compete for the Cure included hundreds of participants and attendees! Over $130,000 was raised in support of Pancreatic Cancer Canada to promote awareness and increase research for pancreatic cancer.

For more information on Compete for the Cure, check out:

http://www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca

The Tracey Rubinoff Skate-a-thon is an annual skating fundraising event, which has taken place each year since 2006. The day involves an open skate at the Ricoh Coliseum, great food, and fun for the whole family. Entertainment typically includes a raffle, inflatables, games & more. Celebrities, including professional sports stars, have even been known to make guest appearances!

• Served as a marketing, social media, video and entertainment consultant
• Scripted and produced innovative promotional video trailers for the event to spur participation and fundraising
• Consulted on day-of entertainment to help create an engaging and enjoyable experience for guests

• Each year, the Skate-a-thon has drawn out approximately 400 people from the community
• From 2011 – 2014, over $500,000 was raised for the Tracey Rubinoff Paediatric Diabetes Clinic at the Markham Stouffville Hospital

For more information about the Tracey Rubinoff Skate-a-thon, check out:

http://www.traceyrubinofffoundation.org/

BAC2Fashion is a charity fashion show developed by young Jewish volunteers in Toronto in association with the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) of Greater Toronto and UJA’s Community Connect. The event brings together spectators of all ages to watch local young adult models showcase the fashion’s of today’s top designers. Funds raised are directed through UJA and Community Connect to programming that benefits vulnerable Jewish seniors. Thousands of seniors with access to programs and in-home services, improving their well-being, independence and overall quality of life.

• Consulted on sponsorship and in-kind donation packages, effective use of online management resources (such as Google Docs), and marketing practices, while providing ticket sales strategies and support
• Worked to acquired models, designers, and other key stakeholders
• Specifically, in 2011, helped coordinate and participated in a Flash Mob at United Bakers, which, after being videotaped and released online received 50,000+ views and proved to be an instrumental marketing tool

• BAC2Fashion typically includes 300 attendees on an annual basis including models, volunteers and sponsors
• BAC2Fashion raised approximately $150,000 during the 3 years that Knactivate’s director, Josh Howard, was involved

For more information about BAC2Fashion, check out:

http://bac2fashion.com/

Feathers Against Bullying is a program that aims to take a stand against bullying, promote a positive message, and ultimately create a safe learning environment. The project is in partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. In 2013, thousands of recycled paper feathers were distributed to students in participating schools. Students used their feathers as a canvas to create their pledge against bullying. They wrote poems, drew pictures, or simply wrote a message of hope. The feathers were collected, tagged and affixed to a big wire frame Dove, which was presented at a live event.

• Participated as a consultant in various emails, phone calls and in-person meetings
• Focused on logistics of the day-of event, particularly with respect to the unveiling of the dove, the speakers, and various other entertainment components
• Managed all aspects of the live event, including facilitating the agenda, proper seating arrangements, food distribution, and A/V matters
• Acted as a liaison with the media, teachers, board trustees, the MC, and personnel from the venue

• The program involved approximately 60,000 students across the City of Toronto
• The Dove (approximately 15‘Long x 6‘Wide x 8‘Tall) was unveiled at City Hall in front of a crowd of approximately 500 people. Attendees included students, teachers, administration, school board trustees, government officials, sponsor representatives and members of the media.
• A Guinness World Record certificate was awarded for the largest Collaborative Art Installation
• The event was covered by various TV stations including CTV, Global, and Omni and online by several media outlets. An important anti-bullying message was passed on to millions across the country.

For more information about Feathers Against Bullying, check out:

http://www.feathersagainstbullying.org

Jam 4 Israel was a young professionals’ party hosted in Toronto, which took place in support of community camps for underprivileged children in Bat Yam, Israel. The event occurred 3 times, in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. While the venue changed each year, the important cause remained consistent and the event was always well attended.

• Contributions included high-level strategy, branding, marketing, and tickets sales
• Worked on venue logistics, social media, entertainment and more
• Attended and organized several meetings and recruited committee members and participants

• Each edition of the event included approximately 700 attendees
• Over 3 years, the initiative raised approximately $150,000

The Bat Yam camps that were created with program funds literally changed the lives of hundreds of children in Bat Yam who learned valuable physical, emotional, and social skills.

For more information about Jam 4 Israel, check out:

http://www.jam4israel.com