Young, successful professionals filled Beverly Hills’ posh Paley Center to support theme event, “Beyond Borders”, for the charities Engineers without Borders and Doctors without Borders. Up-and-comers is probably the wrong term, because they’re already here. The SYP, or Society of Young Philanthropists is filled with ambitious, motivated – and young – businessmen and women.
Raising the bar
Spirits were high and the event was higher as the well-dressed members partied on the roof. The energy was infectious. They’re loving life and want to make a difference. Drinks were downed, exciting conversation spread throughout, and chances are, with the caliber of the membership, deals were made.
And that’s the whole point of SYP, for young professionals to partner with communities worldwide and improve their daily quality of life. From this gala, the Engineers will receive a grant to assist in construction of a preschool in rural Thailand. The Doctors will receive a grant to fight against childhood malnutrition in Niger. And the grants are healthy, with the organization having raised over $200,000 from past events.
“There has never been a more important time to raise awareness of the ways in which we as young people can think globally to make a real impact. With this year’s ‘Beyond Borders’ theme, the Society of Young Philanthropists hopes to inspire our generation’s budding leaders to use their insight and skills to affect change”, said Megan Prichard, SYP’s Executive Director.
Started with friends
The SYP was founded by Elishia Shokrian. She and a group of friends came together with the mutual goal of making philanthropy an attractive cause to other young professionals. They involve themselves in charitable causes by supplying their business, social, and/or educational resources. And from the feel of the evening, they make sure to have fun while doing good.
A member of the board, Marc Sigal, had a big smile on all night. “We have fun, we work hard”, he pauses to welcome a nearby friend, then returns, “we take care of each other. We’re all friends here”.
Current director of the board, Jacob Zakaria summarized, “This is our fourth year. We’ve raised well into the six figures. We’re proud of the help we’ve given and the people who have joined”.
Zuri Majers, also on the board of directors, added, “It’s good people having fun for a good cause”.
Of just some of the board members, Sigal, Zakaria, Majers, Sharon Neman and Jessica Jimiabakhsh all have many things in common. But something wonderful is that they’re all smiling. All night. You realize and can appreciate their sincere pleasure involved when each of its core members smiles ear to ear all evening. It inspires you to join up, support the cause and be a member. If nothing else, they make it feel fun to help.
The night moved
The sushi bar had a line formed around the corner. Two giant Ketel One bottles served shots and specialty drinks. The DJ kept the partiers moving well into the night. A drummer roamed the audience, bringing the rhythm closer, supplying an almost-tribal anthem.
South American actress Marcela Mar was happy to be at the event as well. “I support the cause. I just moved to Los Angeles and I’m proud to be here tonight. I love America and its culture”.
Play Couture’s Trevor Levin may be SYP’s newest member. “I just heard about this and I signed up immediately. Now I’m here with great people, meeting great people. For a good cause too. This is a good night”. Next to him stands the lovely Lindsay Babcock, Levin’s clothing buyer and manager. They’re taking a break tonight from months of hard work. Their new store on Beverly Drive just opened. Levin continues, “We cater to the tween market, girls 7-16 years old.” Babcock adds, “It’s high-end, beautiful. Girls love it”.
For more information on The Society of Young Philanthropists please visit: https://www.philanthropysociety.org/
