Young Professionals Join to Focus on Giving Back

Written by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

As a recent college graduate and intern living in the Dallas area, there is one Red Cross project launch that I’ve been anticipating all summer, the Young Professionals Auxiliary. 

Also known as YPA, the auxiliary is a group for young professionals between the ages of 21-30 who want an opportunity to socialize and network with one another while giving back to a charitable organization. 

Some Board Members gather at the House of Blues Red Cross Bash. Back row (left to right): Rob Derivaux, Jack Burgher, Holt Martin. Front Row (left to right): Blair Flowers, Caroline Snabes, Skyler Baty, Caroline Hurley, Katie McCann 

YPA strives to Empower Young Professionals in the Dallas Area to engage and contribute through volunteer, fundraising, and social opportunities towards the mission of the American Red Cross—preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. 

So just why am I looking forward to joining this group so much? Let's begin by setting the scene. It’s a Wednesday night and I’m at a hip Dallas restaurant in a room full of young professionals sipping cocktails, sharing laughs, and talking about the Red Cross. This sounds exactly like the perfect place to for me to meet a new best friend, a new career opportunity or better yet, my future spouse! OK, I won't hold my breath on that last one, but a girl can dream!

I’ve also been looking for a fun way to involve my friends with the Red Cross mission that I’ve grown so close to over the course of my summer internship. Although I may not be able to get them out to CPR training on a Saturday morning, I bet I’ll be able to warm them up to the idea of a signature YPA event, like Comfort Kits and Cocktails!

So, why should you join the American Red Cross YPA, other than the reasons stated above? 

• It’s a fair price. Keyword: young professionals.  Since we’re not making the big bucks yet, the membership fee is only $75 a year or the purchase of a Piper the Puppy at $100, both of which are fully tax deductible (it’s time for us to graduate from the EZ tax form). 
• There are leadership opportunities for every skill set in this group—keep padding that impressive resume by serving as a YPA board member. 
• The chance to make a difference in your community. The auxiliary will offer unique volunteer and fundraising opportunities to its members to contribute to the American Red Cross. 

If this sounds like an opportunity you want, join the YPA board members for a kick-off event on Wednesday, September 12 at Saint Ann’s restaurant in Uptown Dallas.  

If you would like more information on how to join or get involved, contact President Caroline Hurley at caroline.hurley@redcross.org or like the YPA's Facebook page for updates and information on upcoming events.

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