On June 30, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) met at Joe’s Sports Bar to eat, drink and raise money for our community at their end-of-the-year celebration event, “A Token of Our Appreciation.”
“Young Leaders Society had a lot to celebrate this past year. Considering these trying times, YLS members still gave generously their time, effort, and money to United Way,” said Elaine McDermott, CPA for Peter Shannon & Co. and YLS committee chair for member development. “It was important to us to celebrate all that YLS accomplished this past year and help continue the momentum into the next year.”
Around 45 people attended the event, which applauded the past year’s accomplishments and awarded $1,215 to Katie Patterson of Arcelor Mittal as the lucky winner of the Split-the-Pot raffle. After graciously giving back a portion of her winnings, a total of $1,500 went back to our community programs through this event.
“YLS events allow attendees the opportunity to meet like-minded people – young professionals who care about their community and are excited to give back,” said Tim Petersen, foreign exchange analyst for Northern Trust Bank and 2010 YLS Volunteer Committee chair. “I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people at the events and, of course, the thrill of possibly winning a large sum of money!”
From left to right: Tim Petersen, Kelly O'Brien, 2010 YLS Executive chair, and Meghan Galbreth, fundraising manager at United Way
There are so many great reasons to be a part of United Way’s YLS group. Countless volunteer opportunities help young leaders stay connected, informed and involved in our community, while social events provide a great platform for networking and getting to know other young professionals in Chicago. But above all, YLS allows members to learn about the critical needs in our region and give support to programs that strengthen our community.
“[The celebration] event was different from all the other YLS events in the past,” said Petersen. “It is important to offer a variety of events because it will get people interested and excited to try new things.”
There are no special requirements or membership fees to be part of the United Way Young Leaders Society. Just visit our website at LiveUnitedChicago.org/YLS to sign up and someone from the YLS team will be in touch.
For general questions, please email yls@uw-mc.org or call (312) 906-2222. Or to explore a leadership role with the Member Development, Communications, Volunteer, Issue Awareness or Special Events committees, visit the leadership opportunities page.
