In 2016, we began to diversify the content of our events to appeal to UHNWI who do not typically attend investment conferences.
We introduced Nobel Peace Laureates, civil society leaders, and distinguished economists and futurists who spoke about some of the threats facing humanity – we opened investors’ eyes to the interconnected risks that could disrupt a well-thought-out investment portfolio designed for future generations.
By stimulating a critical mass of investor attendees, we stimulated companies – those who wanted to meet these investors – to align their strategies and operations with sustainable development and to take actions that advance societal goals.
We also introduced art and music – universal languages – to open investors’ hearts so they could better hear the message of inspiring and courageous leaders running nonprofits and to respond to their plea that even the smallest donation can have a profound effect on many.
The magic began to happen.
At Conscious Capital® Cambridge 2016, Aaron Niederhelman, Co-Founder of the EAF Agrarian Fund, moderated the panel Meat the Future? Fulfilling demand for 9 Billion People by 2050.
While he must have anticipated meeting agriculture focused investors and hearing from other inspiring presenters, he also heard from Sierra Preveza, who was dubbed by the Today Show as the “Kindest Kid in America” and named “Chief Kindness Officer” by PBS Kids Sprout.
At the age of 6 years old, Sierra was diagnosed with kidney cancer, having a Wilms’ tumor, “the size of a grapefruit, which grew rapidly inside of Sierra,” according to her father. She underwent surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, and the tumor was removed. A year after her experience and a strong recovery, Sierra decided she wanted to help kids who had been diagnosed with cancer, and she founded Childhood Cancer Kids, a non-profit organization that seeks to increase childhood cancer awareness and provide resources to and elevate the spirits of children with cancer.
After hearing Sierra’s story, Aaron made some calls to people in high places, and he made Sierra’s dream come true – she would call out “play ball!” at Fenway Park.
During the ballgame, children received hats, t-shirts, and pins in recognition of Children Cancer Awareness Month.
While Aaron made Sierra’s dream come true, we like to think that Sierra made a dream come true for Aaron – a dream he did not know he had.
