Connect to Conquer: Philadelphia’s Union League Hosts YBConnected’s Charity Event

Let’s get this (benefit) party started!

“The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water and food.” – Dean Ornish

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

YBConnected – why be connected, indeed? It’s a timely and provocative question, particularly in these often (in so many ways) “trying” times. It saddens me a bit that, when I initially think of connection, what first comes to mind is social media – connected with others in virtual reality. Then again, I’m probably not alone with this sign of the times, which is precisely why I’m enamored with YBConnected‘s philosophy. To wit: “We believe the efforts you spend in cultivating your networks are valuable. You are not alone – socially, professionally, humanistically. Come find out how we answer the question – why be connected?”

I did come find out on February 27th, when The Union League of Philadelphia hosted YBConnnected’s biggest event of their year: Connect to Conquer, with Cradles to Crayons being the fortunate and well-deserved chosen organization to benefit from one happening of an evening. What made it a “happening?” While I didn’t eavesdrop, I could tell that the large gathering of mostly younger up-and-coming professionals (those mover-shakers!) care deeply about making the world a better place and are doing so in spades within the city of Philadelphia and its environs.

Youthful energy sparks were in the air – the atmosphere and the vibe veritably crackled with it. It was refreshing to walk among the groups of two or more and witness firm handshakes, rapt listening with serious eye contact, impassioned gesticulation to make a point – none of which involved checking one’s cell phone. Don’t believe that’s possible in this day and age? Fact-check the snaps below this article and see what I mean about said electric vibe. Now that’s the type of connection I prefer to see. Granted, I’m a social-media blogger, so I’m certainly not dissing the rise and advancement of such technology; it’s just that I enjoy the “real time” manner in which we humans connect. We are, after all, out brothers’ keepers, having more in common than not. YBConnected gets that in a big and rewarding way.

The ultimate aim of the evening was raising funds for Cradles to Crayons, an organization founded in the Philadelphia area in 2007 and currently headquartered in West Conshohocken, PA. Their service area to children in need from birth to age 12 is comprised of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties as well as Camden, New Jersey. As one in five children in the greater Philadelphia region alone lives in poverty, the need is extreme.

So how does Crayons to Cradles serve those in such desperate need? According to their fact sheet, the service is provided by a staff of 15, including more than 25,400 volunteers of all ages, who gather in their warehouse, sorting, inspecting and doing whatever is necessary to ensure that donated items reach the children “living in homelessness or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play.” The items are supplied “free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.”

Throughout the night, guests enjoyed Jack Daniels tasting in a room replicating their actual barrel room, Frost 321 cocktails and noshed on light bites all while connecting meaningfully and engagingly. An over-sized blank check loomed in the background, waiting for a number that matched or exceeded the intended $15,000 goal.

One of the noteworthy speaking moments came when YBConnected’s Anton Makharynets, microphone in hand, announced the $15,000 goal monies with the confident and rousing statement, “Tonight with your help, we’re going to smash that goal.” And smash they did. The number entered in that oh-so-important check’s box was $15,607.30. Goal SMASHED! As President Matt Blank noted, “When you get connected, you stay connected.” Truth, and congratulations on such massively successful connecting and conquering.

As always, the sponsors and participants deserve mention. Kudos and gracious thanks to all attendees as well as JLL, Humareso, Mercadien, Gentleman Jack and Frost 321 for contributing and to the always perfect host, The Union League of Philadelphia.

And hey, YBConnected, thanks for setting and creating a scene reminscent of the pleasure of real time communication. Again, and not that there’s anything wrong with it (it could be a generational thing), but I’m inspired now to take a Facebook hiatus … maybe a dry-out in the Mojave Desert!

For more information or to learn how you can help, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org

The Union League of Philadelphia is an architectural gem and enviable event-hosting venue.

In the Union League we trusted, celebrated, networked and raised funds for a great cause.

Guests register. Unique to this sign-in were name tags listing attendees’ meet-up desires. Mine was no surprise: MEDIA!

Frost 321 creates before guests eyes both ice cream and cocktails using interactive liquid nitrogen. Play misty for me, indeed (see machine stage-left emitting frost).

Crudites with dip are my absolute go-to favorites. Keep the dip on the minimum and eat freely the veggies if you want to avoid the carb-expanded belly in that cocktail dress.

Mmm: that’s no tiny flaky pastry treat.

The light bites such as these pizza squares were tasty and offered Lycopene’s benefits.

What’s any event in Philly without our city’s omnipresent soft pretzels?

Let the networking and meet-greets begin and keep on keepin’ on.

Guests have fun while supporting charities in need.

People making a difference to help those in need is what it’s all about.

Eye contact, expressive gestures and attentive listening skills make for more interest in conversation than popcorn.

Notice the room becoming more populated with those intent on making a difference.

Everyone I snapped had that mover and shaker look, along with looking lovely and fresh such as the ladies pictured here.

If these gentlemen (among the others present) are indicative of YBConnected’s mission and passion, Cradles to Crayons can expect one ambitious monetary benefit.

From left, a media-related contact and Sharon Kozden meet-greet and connect. Although our choice of evening wear is matched to a “T,” we are not twins but made fast friends from professional commonalities.

Matt Blank, President of YBConnected (middle) with Anton Makharynets (Communications) points to Matt and gentleman at left.

From left, Anton Makharynets gives the thumbs-up signal; he’s quite the talented gesticulating communications head.

The Jack Daniels representatives reppin’ their product. It didn’t take much in the way of drawing guests; the product speaks for itself. That said, they’re a charming, poised and no-doubt knowledgeable presence.

Invitingly staged booze bottles.

Gentlemen Jack had not left the building. Point of fact: “he” was very much a constant presence.

The proverbial truth serum in its amber-colored finest goes down smoothly.

While this cask display reminded me of “The Cask of Amontillado,” I can assure you that Edgar Allan Poe was no where to be seen. Granted, after a few Gentlemen Jack kick-backs, I might have seen his ghost!

Have some lil’ tasters of the whiskey that needs no introduction.

Gatherers network and connect with casks as back-drop.

YBConnected President Matt Blank speaks passionately about the organization’s commitment to charitable causes. On this particular evening, his talk was all about “Connecting to Conquer.”

YBConnected’s Anton Makharynets follows suit after Matt Blank, speaking enthusiastically about cradles and crayons.

Michal Smith, Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia’s Executive Director, speaks to the crowd about the organization’s mission, programs and more. The partying took a backseat as Michal commanded (and received) respectful attention.

This check didn’t remain blank for long. Attendees willingly ponied up the greenback to ensure the $15,000 goal was met–and then some! This writer is proud to have covered this important and worthy event at Philadelphia’s Union League, which always provides an exemplary hosting experience.