CVCA selects Tom Kennedy for its 2015 Ted Anderson Community Leader Award

The Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) announced at its annual conference in Vancouver on May 20, 2015 that Tom Kennedy, Chairman and Managing Director, Kensington Capital Partners Limited is the recipient of the CVCA’s 2015 Ted Anderson Community Leader Award.

Named for CVCA past President and previous recipient Ted Anderson, the purpose of this prestigious award is to honour individual CVCA Members who demonstrate active commitment to community engagement, and provide substantial value to a not-for-profit organization or cause through personal time and fund raising efforts.

Tom was a director of LOFT Community Services in Toronto for several years, and was an active board member of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

However, it is his legacy support of the Regent Park School of Music (RPSM), which provides music education to disadvantaged youth that sets Tom apart as an example of good social citizenship. The school has grown from 70 students in a church basement in 1999 to be teaching 2,500 students by 2018. Over 10,000 children have gained self-confidence from this program. His tireless efforts as a RPSM ambassador and advocate, and commitment to hosting events and fundraising have allowed the program to grow. Tom has helped the organization to grow through the consistent application of many of the same principles that guide Kensington’s investment activities: top grade management, strong governance, forward looking funding, and thoughtful planning.

“For 13 years, Tom has hosted events, led fundraising efforts and covered shortfalls to put smiles onto the faces of children that otherwise would not be granted this opportunity,” said Aki Georgacacos, CVCA Awards Committee Chair and Senior Managing Director, Avrio Capital Inc. “Today 1,700 children in Regent Park, Jane/Finch and six other neighbourhoods in Toronto have had had their lives significantly enriched with the opportunity to play and perform the music that they love.”

As is tradition, the CVCA Community Leader Award will be able to direct the charity funds from the CVCA’s Annual Golf Tournament in August to a charity of his or her choice.

Please join us in congratulating Tom for this important recognition of his work.