Commitment announced at inaugural SPARK 2023 event; will fund career readiness initiatives nationwide

The Inspire Brands Foundation, the charitable arm of Inspire Brands, announced this week that they, along with corporate partners, will provide one million dollars in grants by the end of 2023 to support youth-focused workforce readiness initiatives across the nation.

The companies shared the commitment on November 8 at the inaugural SPARK 2023 event, which brought together nonprofits, local and state leaders, and voices from across the hospitality and entertainment industries to discuss the importance of providing the next generation of workers with critical job skills needed to lay the foundation for a strong future.

SPARK was created by Inspire and supported by partners including presenting sponsor NCR VOYIX, The Coca-Cola Company, Focus Brands, Go West Creative Group, NCR Foundation, and Roark.

Hosted by Inspire Co-Founder and CEO, Paul Brown, and GRAMMY winning artist, actor, and philanthropist, Ludacris, the SPARK 2023 event’s mission was to unite, ignite, and inspire the community to take action in preparing people in our communities for a bright future. The event included a nonprofit summit, and a series of keynote talks and panels featuring EMMY winning sportscaster Ernie Johnson Jr., educator Ron Clark, music executive Phylicia Fant, GRAMMY winning songwriter, music executive and producer Kawan “KP” Prather, Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO Katie Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Kwame Johnson, and Focus Brands CEO Jim Holthouser.

The event culminated in the announcement of the one-million-dollar commitment, benefiting more than 30 local and national nonprofit organizations focused on empowering youth and workforce readiness, including 3DE, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, City of Refuge, and the Ron Clark Academy.

“Our vision for SPARK is to create a moment in time each year where the hospitality industry comes together to amplify our mission to inspire youth in realizing their full potential and charting their path to a successful, long-term career,” said Inspire CEO, Paul Brown.

“Equipping today’s kids with the tools needed to thrive in the workforce is essential for building and empowering communities everywhere,” said Ludacris. “The generosity of the Inspire Foundation and its partners will ensure that more urban youth get the chance to envision new possibilities and live out their dreams.”

To learn more or to join the Inspire Foundation in its mission to support America’s youth, visit foundation.inspirebrands.com.