United Way's Young Philanthropists (YP) Initiative was created in 1999 as a subcommittee of The Palmetto Society, United Way's leadership-giving recognition group.

That first year, YP donors totaled 140 members donating $185,870. In 2006 they had grown to 475 members contributing $667,305. These young leaders are a part of caring for our community today, but equally as important, they represent the caring leaders of our future.

The purpose of the YP initiative is to:

• Recognize the philanthropic efforts of those age 40 and under in our community, specifically recognizing those who contribute $1,000 or more annually through the United Way.

• Identify and cultivate the young leadership of our community to give of their time and their financial resources to care for those in need.

• Develop volunteer leadership opportunities in civic and non-profit organizations to engage young leaders in caring for the community.

Activities of the YP's:
 

• Annual "Be a Bunny" member-only event coupled with a service project that provides Easter baskets for low income and special needs children. This social event promotes networking with fellow members, and provided over 200 Easter baskets for children in 2006.

• An outdoor Concert/Picnic is held annually to recognize current members and recruit new prospects. By invitation only, non-YP's can attend only if invited by a current YP member. The goal over time is to expose prospects to the benefits of being a part of this prestigious group of young leaders who are dedicated to making our community better.

• Recruitment of young leaders to serve on agency boards and committees. I

For more information about the Young Philanthropist Initiative, contact Lyndsey Sloan at 864.467.3510 or lsloan@unitedwaygc.org.