Spring 2017 Networking Lunch 'N Learn Featuring Expert Panelists
FEATURING EXPERT PANELISTS ON CHARITABLE GIFT PLANNING
Darren Pries-Klassen, Lorna Somers and Chantal Copithorn
Panel Discussion: 2017 Trends in Philanthropy & Gift Planning
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Burlington Golf & Country Club
422 North Shore Blvd. East, Burlington, Ontario
FEATURED PANELISTS
Darren Pries-Klassen
Prior to joining Abundance Canada, Darren did many things. He has been a tree planter, bus driver, sales person, construction worker and he was a church minister for six years. He joined Abundance Canada – known then as Mennonite Foundation of Canada – as a Gift Planning Consultant in 1998. In 2009, after 11 years of gift planning, Darren became Executive Director.
He has served on a variety of Boards including Kitchener-based Kindred Credit Union, and Welcome Inn Community Centre in Hamilton. He is currently serving on the National Board of Directors for Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) where he was the Chair for two years (His term as Chair ended in March of 2017).
Darren completed his Masters Degree in Christian Leadership in 2014 and is a Certified Financial Planner.
Lorna Somers
A McMaster graduate, with degrees in English and in Art History, Lorna has been working in University Advancement at McMaster University since 1988. She has been involved in the establishment and growth of the Annual Fund, Gift Planning and Major and Principal Giving. She has been Campaign Director for two university-wide comprehensive campaigns. Somers currently focuses her attention on working closely with senior academic leaders and volunteers to secure principal level gifts, most notable among them, the largest cash gift to a Canadian university.
Somers complements the depth of her experience at McMaster with the breadth of a commitment to teaching and training that takes her around the globe. Volunteer work has included National Chair of Canadian Association of Gift Planners, (CAGP), Board Trustee and Chair of the International Committee for the Council for the Advancement & Support of Education, (CASE). Along with co-author Dr. Frank Minton, she wrote the definitive volume entitled Planned Giving for Canadians, now in its 4th edition and still among the best-selling books on fundraising in Canada.
Chantal Copithorn
Chantal Copithorn is a Senior Manager in the High Net Worth practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. She works exclusively in the area of tax planning and compliance for shareholders of private companies and other high net worth individuals. She advises on tax planning for estates, estate freezes and distribution planning for corporations and trusts. Chantal’s main focus is to build relationships with clients and gain a thorough understanding of their business so she can identify and present any relevant opportunities.
Chantal graduated from McMaster University in 2003 with an Honour Bachelor of Commerce degree and a minor in French. Chantal joined PwC in 2003 and obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2005. She is currently pursuing her TEP designation.
Chantal has participated as a keynote speaker for the Estate Planning Council of Toronto as well as the Women President’s Organization and FEIsters. Chantal has been an active member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Task Force for over 8 years.
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