A Look Back at YAO’s Summer Fun 2011
Summer 2011 was a busy season for YAO chapters across the country. From a soccer tournament in San Francisco, to the Chicago Half Marathon, to networking at Chapter Happy Hours, Young Ambassadors organized fun summer events that got them inspired and energized to put their passion to end poverty into action. Here are highlights from just three of the cool events YAO members organized this summer, written by the chapters’ co-chairs…
Denver YAObeque
by Caitlin Andrews
YAO – Denver is happy to report that the 2011 YAObeque was a huge success! Held at Denver’s Sunken Gardens Park on Saturday, Aug. 27, over 30 people gathered to barbeque, play kickball, and spend time with a local community of engaged and globally minded young professionals. We had a great turnout with about half newcomers and half returning YAO supporters, making it a fantastic opportunity to continue spreading our roots in Denver after officially launching the chapter just last May.
We squared off in a big kickball tournament, and each of our four teams represented one of Opportunity’s microfinance products: savings, loans, training and insurance. Our event raised a total of $1,020 for Opportunity clients in Tanzania thanks to the Banking on Africa Campaign and an Opportunity donor who matched all contributions 2:1.
We’re continuing to build our local network of support through fun, educational events such as the YAObeque. A huge thanks to everyone who participated! If you’d like to stay up to date on Denver’s events, become a fan of YAO – Denver on Facebook.
YAO-LA Wipeout Poverty Beach Day
by Alison Oviedo
Another beautiful day in L.A. made for a great day of meeting new friends, raising awareness and fundraising for Opportunity Tanzania at our Wipeout Poverty Beach Day on Saturday, Aug. 20! The generous donations of attendees, along with Opportunity’s Banking on Africa match, helped us raise over $3,500 for microfinance clients in Tanzania.
A big thank you to everyone who came out to make this opportunity a reality for Tanzanian clients! We were so happy to meet those of you who were new to YAO – LA and we’re looking forward to seeing you at future events. Stay tuned to YAO – LA’s Facebook group for more.
15th Annual Chicago Half Marathon & 5K
by Lauren Dillon
I want all our Chicago runners to know they deserve a BIG thank you and a high five. On Sunday, Sept. 11 more than 20 YAO members and Opportunity staff showed up bright and early to run either the half marathon or a 5K on behalf of Opportunity’s clients overseas. It was a spectacular day!
As YAO member and half marathoner Kristen said, “What a fun event! I’m looking forward to growing this every year.” I feel the exact same way. We’re really excited to have everyone join us in the adventure of YAO – Chicago — expanding our network, growing people’s awareness, and raising money toward reaching more clients around the globe.
Thank you to all our runners and volunteers. You were ROCK STARS! For more photos from the day, check out YAO – Chicago on Facebook.
YAO members host events all year long because as Young Ambassadors they believe they can build community, learn and have fun all while promoting the work of Opportunity and breaking the cycle of poverty through microfinance. Thanks to everyone who broke a sweat this summer to get the word out about Opportunity and support our amazing clients around the world.
To put your fun ideas into action and join a community of like-minded young professionals join YAO at opportunity.org/yao.
Join YAO on Oct. 14-15 in San Francisco for Opportunity’s annual conference, “Innovating to End Poverty.” You’ll learn from Silicon Valley business leaders and philanthropists, connect with YAO members on our post-conference boat cruise, and leave the weekend inspired to end poverty.