In the News
January 3, 2013 –
Masquerade targets next generation of United Way supporters
A new generation of philanthropists is raising awareness and funds for the United Way.
Next Gen provides young professionals with opportunities to become engaged in the community. The group was created for individuals between the ages of 25 and 40.
The Kingston Next Gen cabinet was formed just over a year ago, and since then the group has organized or participated in several successful events benefitting the United Way.
Shawn Whalen is the chair of the six-person Next Gen cabinet.
“The idea is really very simple,” says Whalen, “It’s to get the next generation of community stakeholders involved and engaged in the United Way and what it does.”
Next Gen will host its first event of 2013 on Saturday, Feb. 9. Masquerade: A Black and White Affair is a semi-formal event that will feature black and white dress, optional masks, music, dancing, cocktails and appetizers.
“It started as an excuse to get dressed up,” says Whalen. “The idea is that you come out for a fantastic night of dancing and cocktails, and it’s happening in the middle of February, which is otherwise kind of a cold and dreary month, and we plan on injecting some fun into it.”
Masquerade takes place at the Renaissance Event Venue in downtown Kingston, and will also feature a live jazz band and a DJ. Prizes totaling $1,000 will also be up for grabs.
“We really want the purpose of people coming out to be to have a great time, and the fact that it also happens to help out people who are in need of assistance through the United Way is a fantastic bonus,” says Whalen.
Previous Next Gen events have been very successful, including Hopscotch, a beer and whiskey festival, and Score 4 United Way, a Kingston Frontenacs game event that raised $4,620.
“Part of the goal is to raise cash for the United Way in fundraising dollars, but a big part of it is to use those events to market Next Gen and spread our brand,” says Whalen.
And the enthusiastic group is already thinking of new ideas for the new year.
“Looking ahead to 2013, we’re hoping to put together a workplace program through Next Gen so that we have Next Gen ambassadors in workplaces that are already engaged in the United Way’s annual campaign,” he says. “As time moves forward, those young people become older people that are still involved in the United Way, and it’s this constant cycle of movers and shakers in Kingston that are engaged in the United Way and making an impact.”
Tickets for Masquerade are $30 and are available online, by phone or through the Grand Theatre box office.
For more information about Next Gen visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca/nextgen.
Source: Kristyn Wallace, Frontenac EMC
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