By: Bob Gosman
Her big day was coming up and Sendy Soto hoped to do something different. “I didn’t want my birthday to be about me,” she said. “I wanted to start the year by giving back.”
So Soto organized a group of 25 friends to attend the United Way Young Leader Society’s holiday party Dec. 8 at English Bar and Restaurant (444 N. La Salle). In all, more than 150 people braved the sleet and wind for the chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere and reflect on YLS’s 2009 accomplishments.
Soto learned about the YLS event thanks to a google search. “YLS seems to be respected in the community of young donors,” said Soto, a Senate aide to Richard Durbin. “YLS has made it easy to donate.”
YLS members had an opportunity to network and socialize while enjoying crab cakes, sliders, waffle fries and drinks. Behind the bar was a big screen with slides running continuously of previous YLS events. Raffle prizes were awarded throughout the night. The prizes includes gift certificates to restaurants and spas. The grand prize was a Kodak digital camera.
“I came to network and to see YLS,” said Simone McCrary, the volunteer coordinator at the University of Chicago Medical Center. “It was great to see so many people involved.”
The event raised over $3,000 and all of the proceeds will go to the United Way Adopt-A-Family Program. This year, more than 80 families will enjoy a brighter holiday because of the program and generous contributions.
During 2009, YLS members have assisted Chicago by volunteering for more than 500 hours, raising awareness on the financial stability issues people are facing and raising more than a half-million dollars.
“Every year YLS is getting stronger,” said Paul Pabst, a member of the YLS committee for member development. Pabst said it is easy to see why YLS is growing at such a fast clip. “Many times people want to get involved but they don’t know where to channel their efforts,” he said. “YLS provides a great avenue to get involved in the community and bring your good intentions to fruition.”
Pabst looks forward to see YLS evolve even more in 2010. “As long as we keep building our exposure in the community and showing our worth to members, we can continue to make a strong impact on those we are trying to help,” he said.
