Apr 16, 2025

The Show Your Spark Annual Gala:  A Magical Evening of Gathering, Celebrating, and Supporting

Fierce After Forty Participants at Show Your Spark's Annual Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.

A Magical Evening of Gathering, Celebrating, and Supporting

Chilly evening April temperatures didn’t cool the excitement in the air as guests dressed in fierce attire filled the ballroom at Granite Links the Show Your Spark Annual Gala. 

Twenty-two portraits celebrating the power, strength, and confidence of the incredible women of the Fierce After Forty Project greeted nearly one hundred attendees at the gorgeous airy ballroom at Granite Links in Quincy, MA.  

White linen tables lined with green sashing, purple orchids, and votives invited guests to gather around tables to mix and mingle, connect, and build relationships over a plate full of delicious food.  

Inspirational speeches by Show Your Spark’s founder, Lindsay Hite, DOVE’s executive director Mick Hirsch, and Clionagh McLaughlin, who spoke of her experience with Dove as a survivor of domestic violence, motivated attendees to embrace inner light, impact on our community for good, and create a future of our choosing. 

We gathered. We celebrated. And, we supported.  Keep reading to learn more about this magical evening.

Gallery of artwork featuring the Fierce After Forty Participants. Photography by Nicole Chan.

Gather

We gathered as a group of women with our supporters to declare, “See us!  We are here.  We are not backing down. We are not going anywhere.”  We strengthened the community, forged new connections, and amplified our collective voices. When women come together, magic happens. And that’s what we saw and experienced at the Show Your Spark Gala. We created space for each other to be seen, heard and celebrated. As we gathered, our lights became brighter.

Swag bags with the Show your Spark Magazine and goodies from O'Conner Law. Photography by Nicole Chan.
Asian Food table at Granite Links for the Show Your Spark Gala.  Photography by Nicole Chan.
Specialty drinks by O'Connor Law at Granite Links for the Show Your Spark Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.
O'Conner Law members and supporters at the Show Your Spark Gala.  Photography by Nicole Chan.
Women gathered at the Show Your Spark Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.
Attendees of the Show Your Spark Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.
Side by Side image of participants at the Show Your Spark Annual Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.

Celebrate

Not only did we gather, but we celebrated! We celebrated the fierce women of the Fierce After Forty Project. This initiative challenges society’s perception of aging and beauty, honoring women who stand in their power and share their stories unapologetically. Their portraits displayed around the room were more than images—they were a testament to the resilience, wisdom, and fierce self-love of women who have lived life, overcome challenges, and continue to pave a way forward for themselves, their loved ones, and those in their communities. Their stories inspired countless others to embrace their journey, bodies, and power—no matter the season of life.

Side by side image of speakers at the Show Your Spark Gala.  On the left, founder of Show Your Spark, Lindsay Hite. On the right, survivor Clionagh McLaughlin.  Photography by Nicole Chan.
Side by side image of our speakers.  On the left, Mick Hirsch, Executive Director of DOVE and on the right, Lindsay and Clionagh.  Photography by Nicole Chan.
Attendees cheering on the speakers.  Photography by Nicole Chan.
Show your Spark Gala Attendees. Photography by Nicole Chan.
DJ Deja, Lady DJ.  Photography by Nicole Chan.

Support

Lastly, we supported DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended), a local organization dedicated to hope, healing, and safety. Four years ago, we chose to support DOVE with our philanthropic work. Their mission aligns deeply with ours–empowering women to step into their strength. The night’s proceeds, along with contributions from the Fierce After Forty Project, directly support DOVE’s crucial work in ending domestic and partner violence in our society.

We are thrilled to announce that our efforts raised a total of $6400 for DOVE!!

As the evening wound down with silent auction items collected, portraits packed up, and coats collected, we sensed a collective sigh of gratitude. Gratitude for being seen, celebrated, and able to contribute to such an important cause.  

Silent Auction items to support DOVE at the Show Your Spark Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.
Side by side images from the Gala, on the left, Lindsay speaking with a guest.  On the right, a woman perusing the silent auction items. Silent Auction items to support DOVE at the Show Your Spark Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.
Attendee perusing the sports memorabilia.  Silent Auction items to support DOVE at the Show Your Spark Gala. Photography by Nicole Chan.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the volunteer help of many hands, over twenty-one silent auction donors, and the support of our valuable sponsors.  


Premier Sponsor

O’Conner Family Law

Featured Sponsors

DJ Deja

Nicole Chan Photography 

Supporting Sponsor

Research Admin DD 

Community Sponsors

Robin Moyer Interiors

Verde Salon

Sift Organizing

Ladybug Pest Control

Robin Moyer Interiors

Media Partner

Emmalyn Reid

Sports Memorabilia Auction Provided by 

KBK Sports


The Fierce After Forty Project, designed by Show Your Spark Photography Studio, seeks to highlight powerful women over Forty through photography and storytelling.  In doing so, we inspire countless other women to embrace and celebrate their journey, bodies, and power – no matter their season of life. 

If you want to show off your After Forty Fierceness, contact us today!

Remember, you are powerful, courageous, and one of a kind! Show Your Spark!

Here’s what to expect when you contact us

  1. Schedule a free consultation call to have all your questions answered and start planning your Spark Experience. 
  2. Select a Spark Session date that fits your schedule. (Studio located in Braintree, MA)
  3. Rock the session like the bright light that you are, and create beautiful, tangible artwork to inspire you for the rest of your life. 

Remember, you are powerful, courageous, and one of a kind! Show Your Spark!

Curious about having your own empowering session?

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