Young professionals support youth charity - in style
A networking group of young Exeter professionals celebrated their relationship with the city’s YMCA, when they attended a Black Tie dinner and dance on Friday October 20th hosted by the youth support charity.
The Exeter Young Professionals’ Network (YPN) was set up in 2010 by the local law firm Gilbert Stephens, which has the YMCA as one of its chosen charities. The YPN was originally created to help Gilbert Stephens’ own younger staff in the Exeter area to build their own networks, but now has around 300 members from industry, professional services and the charity sector – including some members of the YMCA’s fundraising team who regularly attend YPN social events.
Given the strong ties between their organisations, the YPN saw the prestigious Black Tie dinner at the Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club as an ideal way to combine a social evening with support for the YMCA, so they booked a table.
Antonia D’Alessio, a Trainee Legal Executive at Gilbert Stephens, said: “The YPN and Gilbert Stephens regularly participate in and attend local fundraising and awareness-raising events for the YMCA.
“Given that we are a ‘young network’ we know how important support is, and want to see young people do well.
“We visited the YMCA last week and it was great to see how community support goes a long way. We were told about young people they had helped through difficult times, who had recently gone to university and got jobs.
“It was lovely to see that support could really enable young people to lead a more stable life and achieve their goals. The volunteers were so friendly and helpful and the refit has made a massive impact on the young people staying there – making it really feel like a safe home.”
The YMCA’s Fundraising and Engagement Manager, Bethan Spencer, said: “The YPN are fantastic – I’m a member myself and have really enjoyed their support, both the dinner this year and last year, as well as all the other fundraising events they have taken part in i.e. the Santa Abseil!
“YMCA Exeter’s relationship with Gilbert Stephens dates back to the early 20th century when Mr Gilbert Stephens was on our committee. We still have a very close relationship with them today as our solicitors.
“The Black Tie Dinner and Dance is our biggest ‘corporate’ event and second biggest fundraising event after our sponsored sleep out in March every year.”
Photo caption: L-R Jamilah Evans, Gemma Townsend, Antonia D’Alessio and Cheryl Bolt, Young Professionals Network (YPN) members from Gilbert Stephens Solicitors.
