YOUNG FRIENDS ARE READY TO SERVE
Service and philanthropy being carried into the next generation
By Krystian von Speidel
Diving into the philanthropic pool can be daunting, especially when the cost of entry to some events can look like this month’s rent check. Too often choosing to get involved can instill the fear of not knowing where to begin. A dynamic group of young professionals have heeded the call and started an array of offshoots of their parent organizations. Known as Young Friends groups, they represent an energetic new generation of men and women eager to make their stamp on the community.
Young Friends of the Norton Acquisition Council member Kate Waterhouse is a prime example of the face of young friends philanthropy. An assistant vice president of business development at Sotheby’s, Waterhouse is an active member of several young friends organizations. The Norton is a particular passion for Kate and her husband Robert, founder of PKR Antiques & Fine Art. “It took me a little while upon moving to the Palm Beach area in 2015 to determine which institutions I would be best suited to support and in my case the Norton Museum was at the top of the list,” said Kate. “The opportunities available to me as a Young Friend, have made us feel like a true part of the next generation, which is important to me being in the arts myself.”
So often this desire to become an active participant and help guide the organizations with which they’re involved is a special draw for Young Friends members. So too
are the fantastic networking opportunities offered. Young Friends groups go out of their way to make sure their engagement is fun enough to keep members returning, hopefully with friends and prospective members in tow to future events. According to Kristen Scarpa Bissett, Young Friends Chair of the Kravis Center, “Throughout the season, our group organizes events to support the Kravis Center’s arts education programs. Membership in the Young Friends group is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of area children as well as network with other young professionals.”
Young Friends groups are a great way to receive substantial discounts on ticket prices and perks at an array of cultural events. For instance, The Palm Beach Opera’s young professionals group—the PBO Young Friends--offers its members special ticket discounts and offers, a subscription discount, backstage tours, and an invitation to a summer event. The Four Arts Contemporaries encourage the appreciation of art, music, drama and literature among its members. Past events have included special tours of art collections, painting workshops, wine tastings and trips to art fairs around South Florida. The Young Friends of the Palm Beach Symphony’s annual afternoon at polo is always a sell-out, as are many of its parties held throughout the season. “It’s incredible to see this charismatic group of influencers having a fantastic time while serving as a force for good in the community,” said David McClymont, executive director of the Palm Beach Symphony.
It’s not only arts and cultural organizations that have active young friends groups. The United Way of Palm Beach County’s Emerging Leaders Society (ELS) was founded in 2014 to attract, enlighten and rally early to mid-career professionals around Palm Beach County by providing an avenue to take action and effectively give back with their time, talent and resources to make the greatest difference in our community. ELS hosts hands-on volunteer projects throughout the year that allow members to be part of the solution to some of Palm Beach County’s greatest issues. “The Emerging Leaders Society offers the best of what you’d expect from a young professionals social networking group, but with the added benefit of volunteerism and giving back,” said Kelly Eppy, chair of the Emerging Leaders Society.
The Young Friends of the YMCA (YFOY) was founded in 2014 as a Committee of the Board of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches with the goal of establishing a young professional group committed to advancing the YMCA of the Palm Beaches and the community in which it serves, while also providing Palm Beach County young professionals with opportunities to develop socially, civically and professionally. YFOY has hosted numerous events and raised thousands of dollars to benefit the YMCA of the Palm Beaches and other local organizations focused on supporting children in the community. According to Patrick Painter, who serves as the group’s co-chair, “We believe
YFOY is making a positive impact on children’s lives throughout Palm Beach County, which will result in future leaders in our community.”
Jump in feet first. The water’s fine and you’ll not only form lasting friendships, you’ll realize getting into the charitable whirl of Palm Beach County is easier and more fulfilling than you may have imagined.