MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- With Chelsea Clinton as its featured speaker, and local business leaders Sheryl Sandberg and Dave Goldberg in attendance, Full Circle Fund held its 2nd annual igNITE gala on Friday night, celebrating the new model of philanthropy in the Bay Area.

Using the very same model that transformed the Bay Area into the economic engine it is today, Full Circle Fund is redefining the role of philanthropy in solving some of the world's biggest challenges. From helping to tackle problems affecting the developing world, such as affordable access to incubators for premature newborns babies, to sparking innovation within public education here in the Bay Area, Full Circle Fund actively seeks dynamic partners in the non-profit sector in order incubate and accelerate their growth.

"Tonight is far more important than simply raising money for worthy causes," said Kiki Mills Johnston, CEO of Full Circle Fund. "Our supporters and our partners are looking at innovative ways to create systemic change and, in the process, improve the lives of millions of people for generations to come. This is the new model of philanthropy, where the ideas we can generate are far more powerful than the money we can raise."

It is no coincidence that this year's igNITE gala was held the Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel in Menlo Park, California, long known as a gathering place of the "Titans of Tech". Tonight, these "titans" were gathered there to celebrate the visionary social entrepreneurs, organizations and ideas changing lives of the better in the Bay Area.

"There is no greater compliment we can ever receive than the validation and support of our peers in the tech community, all of whom have helped transform our world, from the way we do business to the way we connect with each other," said Josh Becker, Chairman of the Board, Full Circle Fund. "Like all Silicon Valley innovations, Full Circle Fund began as an idea, where leaders could come together to combat issues affecting communities across the Bay Area. In the process, we have grown into a global force for change."

Since its founding, Full Circle Fund has enjoyed the support of various corporate partners, who have married their quest for greater profits to their desire to generate positive social change in the communities they serve. Like Full Circle Fund, these companies have established themselves as leaders in this new wave of corporate philanthropy. Notable partners include Qualcomm, Abbot Downing, ICONIQ Capital, Microsoft, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Executive Medicine, Tiffany & Co., Saintsbury, and Trivium Wine.

About Full Circle Fund:

Full Circle Fund is an engaged philanthropy organization cultivating the next generation of community leaders and driving lasting social change in the Bay Area.

Full Circle Fund members leverage their time, money, skills and connections to the service of nonprofits, businesses and government agencies in partnerships that result in significant impact on the community.

For more information: www.fullcirclefund.org

Media Contact: Kari Nathon Jung Full Circle Fund, (415) 824-4840 ext 310, kari@fullcirclefund.org

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Full Circle Fund