About
Tanner’s SPRK on the World Inc. is a non-profit based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
It was formed to keep the memory of Tanner Rogers alive.
Who is Tanner: Tanner James Rogers passed away in a car accident on June 1st, 2021. At the young age of 19, he was a successful entrepreneur. Tanner was co-owner of SPRK a video production company that specializes in creating rap music videos. He was very talented and did amazing work. His kind heart, vibrant personality, and uniqueness left an impression on all that knew him. Tanner used to always talk about how when he made it “big”, he was going to bless others. Not just family and friends but the community as well.
Tanner’s Legacy: Always remember how precious and short life is. Forgive yourself and others. Follow your dreams, work hard, be humble and be kind to all. Ask for help when you need it and always help others. Follow the creator and live every day as your last. This is the Legacy of Tanner’s SPRK on the World!
President and Founder Jennifer Clark talks more about who Tanner is, his legacy, and what the mission is for Tanner's SPRK On The World:
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for people in need by delivering acts of kindness.
Our Vision
To change the world one SPRK at a time by helping people and giving them the resources to help themselves.
Core Values
Equality- To provide assistance to people of all backgrounds without discrimination.
Impact- To drive positive change at local, national, and international
levels.
Inspiration- To inspire people to overcome their hardships and
pursue their goals.
Change- To help people find their
SPRK to change the world.
What Sets Us Apart?
In Tanner fashion, our non-profit is very unique. We select a different act of kindness each year. The new cause will be announced the year prior that way donors know what they are supporting. With our unique approach, we will be able to bless many people from all over the world.
Acts Of Kindness:
Second Act of Kindness (2024): Support for Bereaved Siblings - Tanner's SPRK On The World was able to support 4 Bereaved Siblings during their grief journey. Congratulations to Ashanti McKnight who was awarded our $1,500 college scholarship. Congratulations to Marisa Kohn who was awarded our $5,000 college scholarship. Shout out to Paige Gibeault for receiving the the Create-Your-Own Family Getaway ($1,000 value) and shout out to Nicole Olger & family for receiving the family getaway to the Kalahari Resorts ($3,500+ value)! We are so thankful for all our sponsors, family, & friends that made this possible through their generous donations. To a grieving sibling, a kind gesture can mean so much. Together, we will change the world, one SPRK at a time.
First Act of Kindness (2023): Tanner's SPRK On The World Inc. was able to donate $10,125 to sponsor a young man with his recovery program at Addition Treatment Services in Traverse City, MI. We are happy to report that the sponsored gentleman successfully completed the 45 days of treatment and set up aftercare services. Thank you to all our donors and sponsors for making our First Act of Kindness a success. Together we will change the world one SPRK at a time!
Meet The Team
Jennifer Clark
Board of Directors- President & Founder
Jennifer Clark is the mother of Tanner and Madison Rogers. She founded Tanner’s SPRK On The World Inc., shortly after Tanner’s passing. Her goal is to share Tanner’s kind heart with the world and keep the memory of her son alive by delivering Acts Of Kindness. Aside from running Tanner’s SPRK, Jen has a variety of jobs. She graduated from Grand Rapids Community College earning a Child Development Associate Credential with a focus on Infant & Toddlers. She is the Lead Teacher in the Infant classroom at Explore & Grow Christian Learning Center in Kentwood, MI. Jen is a Board Member of Little River Holdings which is the Economic Development Corporation owned by The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, based in Manistee, MI. Jen also is co-owner of Expressions Dance Academy, along with Kelly Rich. Their dance studio is currently celebrating 17 years! Jen has a passion for working with children and loves giving back to the community.
Erin Aldrich
Board of Directors- Secretary
Erin Aldrich graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Science. She works as the Business Program Coordinator at The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. She provides mental health education and suicide prevention programming to businesses throughout West Michigan and across the country. Erin has also been a dance teacher for over a decade, at Expressions Dance Academy. When she is not working, Erin enjoys watching softball games, doing arts & crafts and spending time at her family cottage.
Kelly Anne Rich
Board of Directors- Treasurer
Kelly Anne graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish. She is currently an office manager at a national distributor of sporting goods supplies. Kelly also co-owns Expressions Dance Academy with Jennifer Clark. Teaching dance and working with children is Kelly’s passion. In her spare time, she fosters kittens for a local TNR Shelter and when she is not working or teaching dance, Kelly enjoys traveling in her vintage camper and hanging out with her three cats: Spider, Ninja, and Patch!
Scott Clark
Board of Directors- Finance
Scott Clark is the “Bonus” Dad to Tanner & Madison Rogers. Scott graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in finance. He has been employed with a local manufacturing company in Grand Rapids for the past 17 years. He comes from a large family and enjoys spending time with his loved ones as often as he can. In his spare time, Scott enjoys spending time outdoors. He likes gardening, fishing and golfing.
Madison Rogers
Board of Directors- Donor Appreciation
Madison Rogers is Tanner’s younger sister. She recently graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in the Spring of 2023 where she was a member of the PTK Honor Society. Madi is currently employed at Amazon and enjoys working in the warehouse. She also works part-time as a Leasing Agent & Office Assistant for Forseman Rental Property Management. Aside from work, Madi likes to do yoga, meditation & art. She likes going boating and traveling with friends and family. Madi has a passion for helping others.
Jillian Brown, M.Ed
Board of Directors- Donations
Jillian Brown loves teaching and helping others thrive. She is currently working as a Special Education Teacher. She has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and teaching endorsements in Elementary Education, Cognitive Impairments, Emotional Impairments and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is currently attending Oakland University's Education Specialist (Ed.S) program. One of Jillian's greatest passions is teaching and choreographing dance at Expressions Dance Academy. She spends her free time creating memories with friends and family. Jillian and her husband have a 5-year old daughter who is their whole world. Jillian is Tanner’s Aunt and is blessed to be a part of such a great charity.
Kevin Brown II
Board of Directors- Merchandise
Kevin studied both Education and Criminal Justice and continues to influence others to prioritize safety and learning. When he is not creating new merch for Tanner's SPRK On The World, he is a Work and Life Skills Instructor for adults with developmental disabilities. Kevin is very passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and daughter, and cherishes time spent with all family and friends. Kevin is Tanner’s Uncle and is grateful for the special bond they shared.
Jessica VanWinkle, DNP, RN, CMSRN
Board of Directors- Community Outreach
Jessi VanWinkle completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Michigan, Master of Science in Nursing Education degree at Indiana University, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the University of Michigan. She currently works as a nursing professor as well as in an ambulatory cardiology practice. When she is not at work Jessi enjoys spending time with her husband, five children, and grandson. She loves attending her children's sporting events that include baseball, soccer, football, dance and cheer. Jessi is also Tanner's aunt and is honored to help keep his memory alive.
Anna Dandeneau
Board of Directors- Social Media
Anna Dandeneau graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor's Degree in Data Analytics and General Psychology. Anna currently works as a Business Intelligence Analyst at Auto-Owners Insurance working with claims data. She also teaches dance at Expressions Dance Academy, with her favorite style of dance being tap. Anna loves to play board games and video games in her spare time with family and friends. She especially loves to spend time with her four younger siblings and her husband Brandon.
Christina R. McElwee, M.Ed.
Board of Directors- Grants
Christina McElwee is a Professor of English at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, MI. Prior to entering the wonderful world of higher education, Christina taught for several years in the K-12 school system. She is an avid reader and writer. Christina has found writing to be both cathartic and an excellent way to connect and communicate with her students. As an educational, inspirational, and social justice writer, Christina has been published in Grand Valley State University’s Colleague Magazine, several Christian-based publications, and Pensive Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys giving back to her community through volunteering and working closely with non-profit organizations.
Mindy Gilbert
Board of Directors- Events
Mindy studied Hotel Management at Baker College and spent many years in that field prior to switching to Healthcare. She is currently employed at Corewell Health and works in the billing department. Mindy has now been in the healthcare industry for over 20 years and loves it. Mindy enjoys being a leader and helping those around her. In her spare time she likes visiting with family and friends. Her hobbies include traveling and trying new restaurants with her husband and daughter.