Empower Futures '24: Continuing our Commitment to Improve Lives.

Here's a glimpse of this year's Empower Futures, an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, compassion, and community. With Cardinality's motto, "Change a Billion Lives," Thiag Loganathan, his wife Kalyani, and San Mar Family and Community Services hosted the 2nd Annual San Mar Dinner—Empower Futures '24. This year's fundraiser focused on supporting San Mar's new initiative to renovate their campus for young women transitioning from foster or group care to independent living. Held on June 13th in Potomac, Maryland, the event built on the achievements of last year's fundraiser, which raised significant funds to help children and families in need.

We welcomed an incredible group of philanthropists, supporters, and friends who share our passion for empowering young women. We were grateful for the presence of Aruna Miller, Maryland's Lieutenant Governor, as our guest for the evening. As the first woman of South Asian descent to hold this position in the state and as an advocate for mental health, especially in children, Miller has championed initiatives in infrastructure improvement, public education reform, and community health services.

We were also joined by Bershan Shaw, a passionate advocate for mental health, who shared her inspiring journey of resilience and success. This journey led her to create the URAWARRIOR app, which offers a safe space for young adults, women, and men to share their challenges and support one another.

The atmosphere was vibrant as guests came together to celebrate the remarkable work of San Mar and to support their mission of cultivating hope and well-being. With their presence and participation at this fundraising event, they joined the mission of both Cardinality and San Mar to drive transformative and positive change in the lives of the children and families supported by San Mar.

“Cardinality’s mission to “change a billion lives” is deeply personal. It has led me to connect with amazing people like Keith Fanjoy, CEO of San Mar Family and Community Services, promoting the well-being of children, families, and communities for over 140 years now. Their services are not only impactful to our community but also carry meaning to my family.”

Thiag Loganathan CEO, Cardinality.ai

"The second annual Empower Futures event was an amazing evening celebrating our collective impact for the benefit of children and families! Not only did guests enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere, but I believe we all felt the power of coming together around a shared commitment to help others in need. I was so grateful to be a part of it, and I eagerly look forward to next year's event!"

Elisa Mabina, CFRE Director of Development, San Mar Family and Community Services

Supporting SanMar’s Cause Close to Our Hearts

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to participate in and support the San Mar Family at the fundraiser hosted by the Loganathan family. It was an inspiring and meaningful event, and I feel truly fortunate to be part of such a compassionate and impactful cause. The San Mar Family's dedication to improving the lives of children, families, and communities is nothing short of remarkable. Being able to support this mission was both an honor and a privilege. Thank you to the Loganathan family for hosting such a wonderful event and to the San Mar Foundation for the incredible work you do.”

Sagar Sawant CEO, Cyquent, Inc.

Treasures That Were Up for Grabs at the Auction

The silent auction featured a plethora of enticing items. Bidders competed for the chance to win luxurious resort vacation packages in Antigua and Panama or adorn themselves with an exquisite freshwater pearl set. For the connoisseurs, wine tastings were on offer. Those passionate about culinary arts could look forward to an exclusive class on crafting flavorful Indian Biryani and smoky grilled chicken, expertly guided by Thiag and Kalyani.

Sports enthusiasts had the opportunity to snag tickets to the thrilling Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals baseball game and even enjoy a round of golf at the prestigious Congressional Country Club with Thiag and Sunny.

"Cardinality and the Loganathans have been such an amazing support to the essential work we pursue every day with children, families, and communities. The financial resources raised that night will go a long way, but just as important was advocacy to facilitate Maryland leadership being present and who validated this critical work. We can't do this work alone, and we're so thankful we have the Cardinality team with us."

Keith Fanjoy, LCSW-C Chief Executive Officer, San Mar Family and Community Services

“I learned about how San Mar helped children become successful adults as I had time to chat with some of the children that San Mar had helped in the past. It was very inspirational and touching to hear their stories."

Fred Maier Senior Client Partner, State and Local, DMI

Summarizing the Impact

We’re excited to share that the generosity of our attendees helped us raise close to $40,000.

The funds raised will directly support San Mar's transformative initiative to build a 15-unit apartment building on their campus. This housing will provide a vital lifeline for young women transitioning from foster care, offering them a safe and supportive environment as they embark on their journey to independence.

Cardinality has been committed to showing support for San Mar’s goal of creating a safe space for the prosperity of children, families, and communities. By joining hands with San Mar, both Cardinality and San Mar have been instrumental in raising funds to create a positive impact.

“It was wonderful to have the support of Cardinality and their partners. The evening was filled with friendly faces and a room filled with those that are joining together in supporting children and their bridge to adulthood. Our work is hard but rewarding, and this unique opportunity to share every year is treasured. Sharing our story and vision is important, especially now, as we look to the development of new programming and to maintain our current work.”

Jerica Washington, LCSW-C Deputy Executive Director; Director of the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being

“Thiag & I are incredibly grateful for the tremendous love & support we have received for https://sanmarhope.org. Because of the kindness and generosity of others, along with the leadership and team from San Mar, we are making a real difference in the Maryland community. Keith Fanjoy, Jerica Washington, Joanna Peters, and Elisa Mabina, along with the full San Mar community, remain focused every day on preventing and overcoming systemic challenges in foster care by providing vital services.”

Kalyani Loganathan Board Member, San Mar Family and Community Services

Together, we are hoping for a better future that does not just stop at being a dream but creates a tomorrow where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.