‘Find Your Cause’ Event Sparks Community Engagement and Collaboration

On November 29th, Manchester came alive with purpose as Manchester Young Professionals hosted their much-anticipated “Find Your Cause” event at The Rex Theatre. The evening brought together 34 nonprofits and young professionals eager to explore meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in their community.

The event provided a platform for nonprofit organizations to showcase their missions and connect with enthusiastic young professionals seeking avenues for community involvement. Each nonprofit not only exhibited their work but also delivered compelling two-minute pitches in a shark tank style, enticing the audience with reasons why they should consider joining forces with their cause.

Holly Horst, Co-Chair of Manchester Young Professionals Young Leaders Council and Director of Development & Marketing at the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL), expressed gratitude to the 30+ nonprofit leaders who shared insights into the meaningful work they are doing. In a heartfelt acknowledgment, she extended her thanks to all the young professionals in attendance, hoping that they left feeling inspired to get involved and make a lasting difference.

In an interview on WZID, Keri Pappalardo, Co-Chair of Manchester Young Professionals Young Leaders Council, and the emcee of the event, shed light on the event’s inception. She explained that the idea sprang from a common misconception among young professionals that they needed to be well-established in the community to sit on a nonprofit board. Pappalardo emphasized the importance of diversifying boards and having individuals with boots on the ground actively engaged in community causes.

Cole Riel, Director of Small Business and Community Development at the Greater Manchester Chamber and Coordinator of Manchester Young Professionals, reflected on the event’s success. “This evening was a fantastic success for connecting young professionals to opportunities to improve their communities and also bringing our nonprofits together to become connected with one another,” Riel shared.