SEMO Foundation celebrates 10 years of fundraising with Inspire event in Surrey

The SEMO Foundation is celebrating 10 years of its flagship Inspire fundraiser, marking a milestone the Cloverdale charity views with pride and marking a shift in how it operates.

Founded 23 years ago after the death of Tarsem Kaur Kang—whose nickname was "Semo" and who was passionate about fundraising and service—the foundation has grown from small park barbecues and basketball tournaments raising $500 to $1,000 to a major annual event. This year, the foundation is on the cusp of breaking $300,000 raised over the decade since Inspire began in 2016.

"The one thing that we have a little pride rolling in our hearts about is that we're a small, little group that used to raise $500 to $1,000 at these park events and now we're on the cusp of breaking $300,000 raised in 10 years," said Manny Kang, director of the SEMO Foundation and Tarsem's son.

For this 10th anniversary, the foundation is making significant changes. After feedback from Inspire supporters, organizers are moving the event from November to summer. "November can be a very busy time of year for people. Big corporations have their fundraisers at that time—and we're just a humble and nimble little group—so we're going to try summer," Kang explained.

Inspire 2026 takes place August 28 at The Gables at Surrey Farms on 152nd Street. The venue offers combined indoor-outdoor space with views of Mt. Baker overlooking farmland, creating a summer mixer-and-mingle atmosphere rather than traditional sit-down dinner format. "Guests won't be tied to their tables," Kang said.

The foundation is encouraging Hawaiian shirts and summer attire, adding a casual summer theme. The event will feature a show-and-shine car display with vintage and newer vehicles, food stations both indoors and outside encouraging mobility, lawn games for kids and adults, raffles and prize draws throughout the evening.

Inspire will support local charities including Surrey Food Bank, Langley Food Bank, Surrey Christmas Bureau, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and Cloverdale-based Team Keian. The SEMO Foundation also reserves funds to help "unsung heroes in the community"—people in distress identified by neighbours or community members who reach out.