By Gulsah Senol
Turkish Philanthropy Funds realizes the importance of investing time and effort to raising a younger generation of philanthropists. Since its inception in September 2011, Young Philanthropists for TPF has been doing just that, creating a new generation of present donors and future philanthropists.
Led by the Junior Board, a group of young professionals passionate about Turkey, philanthropy and TPF, Young Professionals for TPF was created with the mission to raise awareness about TPF, the many projects it supports and philanthropy in general in the younger generations. The Junior Board aims to bring together like-minded young professionals from the Turkish-American community and provide a forum of networking, conversation, new friendships and cultural exchanges while at the same time introducing a specific work or project of TPF.
Among the events organized by the Young Professionals for TPF were house gatherings, rooftop gatherings and wine bar happy hours. Initially, the purpose of these events was to bring young professionals together and introduce them to TPF and philanthropy. Realizing that a strong track record was created with the many events hosted, reaching a unique crowd of young professionals in New York, the Junior Board recently decided to fundraise for specific projects. The first of such events took place at Pera Soho’s rooftop in October 2012 where $4,000 was raised for a girls’ dormitory at 100. Yil University in Van after the anniversary of the devastating 2011 earthquake.
With that momentum, the Junior Board recently hosted a Mardi Gras celebration at Pierre Loti Wine Bar in Chelsea on February 12, 2013. In the company of live jazz music, wine, friends and festive Mardi Gras beads and masks, the Junior Board was joined by more than 40 other Young Professionals to raise awareness about autism and to collect funds for TPF Partner TOHUM (Autism Foundation of Turkey). The event was very successful overall. In only 2 hours, $2,092 was raised to support the Special Education School that will be built in Turkey by TOHUM. More important than the amount raised was the support, excitement and passion in the conversation that could be heard throughout the night. The positivism and energy of the crowd resonated in the conversations that could be heard among small groups. Not only were we able to raise awareness about autism in Turkey and raise much needed funds for a great project but we were also able to make and support the making of new connections and new friendships.
The autism campaign has generated great support not only from the attendees but also other TPF donors. A $10,000 matching campaign was launched in conjunction with the event and project from a generous donor. The campaign will last until April 2, 2012. Even though you may have missed the event, you can still support the campaign with any donation that will be matched 100%.
Join the movement. Join Young Professionals for TPF.
