Fundraiser Set in Memory of 22-Year-Old Pikesville Man

At a young age, Daniel Joseph Siegel of Pikesville aspired to affect change in the world.

"Interestingly, when he was little, about 4 or 5, he said he wanted to be a changer," said his mother, Janet Berg.

And when Siegel, 22, knew he wasn't going to make it because of a brain tumor, he asked his mother if he had made a difference.

Siegel's sister and his girlfriend put the word out and "he just got tons of letters from people, about what he had done—how he had influenced them," Berg said.

Through the The Sparks of Change Foundation, Berg said her family hopes to continue making a difference in memory of her son.

"We wish to honor and nurture the fire of Daniel's spirit by finding individuals whose ideas and projects embody Daniels wish for positive change," the foundation website states.

The foundation will soon begin to donate money to people who are working toward making change.

A kickoff fundraising event is set from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at .

"We're hoping for a good turnout, and that people are aware (of the foundation)," Berg said.

During the event there will be a demonstration by Siegel's martial arts school, the . And guests can try Siegel's favorite drink: white chocolate mocha.

To donate to the foundation from Tuesday through Nov. 27, tell the Barnes & Noble cashier the following book fair (fundraiser) number when you check out: 10573079.

A portion of the sale will be donated to the foundation, Berg said.

That Sparks of Change number can be used at any Barnes & Noble store, or online at www.barnesandnoble.com when you check out.

A growing cause

Since Daniel's death in November 2010, the foundation has been receiving donations from individuals, Berg said.

" community has been incredibly supportive, as well as ," she said.

Daniel, a Beth Tfiloh graduate, attended both schools.

"This has given us something to look forward to," she said of the foundation. "And it's a way to make something postive out of the whole thing."

The foundation is currently working on developing criteria for qualifying for Sparks of Change funds, Berg said. She said she hopes it will become a foundation that helps people nationwide.