Society of Young Philanthropists attempts to raise $25k for women's shelter

Original Link, April 19, 2010

DALLAS — The Dallas chapter of the Society of Young Philanthropists (SYP Dallas) has selected Genesis Women’s Shelter as the beneficiary for its debut gala fundraiser. SYP Dallas aims to raise a total of $50,000, with $25,000 promised to Genesis and $25,000 for its own endowment. The May 22 fundraiser will be held at the Dallas Contemporary’s new location on Glass Street and will serve as the kick-off event for the newly-formed philanthropic group.

“As SYP isn’t affiliated with a specific philanthropy, we are able to listen to the wants and interests of our members and select causes about which we are passionate,” said Kent Arnold, president of SYP Dallas. “We selected Genesis as our first beneficiary after our founding membership expressed a passion for ending domestic violence. Our generation must take a stand to stop the cycle of domestic abuse, and we look forward to partnering with Genesis to help make this a reality for families in greater Dallas.”

SYP Dallas officially launched in February 2010 as the first market expansion for the Los Angeles-based non-profit. The group’s mission is to instill a commitment and passion for philanthropy in Dallas’ young professional community. Unlike many young professional organizations that target one cause or serve one not-for-profit, SYP members have the unique opportunity to learn about, support, and aid a wide variety of Dallas philanthropies as part of their active membership.

In celebration of Genesis’s 25th anniversary, SYP Dallas will make a $25,000 donation to support staffing needs for the Genesis Treatment Team. The Treatment Team includes the counselor who facilitates healing and domestic violence recovery for women and children, as well as the case manager who helps manage the logistical needs a woman in crisis may face. Genesis will name a room in its residential facility after the Society of Young Philanthropists.

"As we celebrate 25 years of service to DFW families, we are proud to partner with this ambitious group of young professionals who aim to make a big impact on our community in only their first year,” said Genesis Women’s Shelter Executive Director Jan Langbein. “Their parents raised awareness about domestic violence, but this is the generation that will end it by teaching their sons and daughters that violence in the home should never be tolerated. We are thrilled to partner with the Society of Young Philanthropists on this endeavor to end domestic violence.”