For some a toy drive is a great little bit of publicity, so they hold one. Or they needed something to do for the holidays in the office, so they hold one. Neither are bad reasons really, end result is still the same, but there is a bit more to why our YP groups do toy drives.

Growing up, things weren’t too bad by the time I hit college in our family. Our family business was/is oil distribution, and in our hometown alone we had 3 gas stations. When I finished college I took over the marketing, and one day our radio sales rep came in with an idea…to do a Wish Tree.

The Wish Tree was an idea that we’d collect gift ideas to put on a tree for kids who didn’t have a bright Christmas in their future. Tags on the tree had the age, sex, and gift request that went like this “5 Year old boy, baseball glove”. I was in our stores almost all day, my office was literally a closet back at the main office, and I really got to see the magic of all of this. The most touching would be seeing the kids ask parents “What is this tree for?” and parents would say “It’s a chance to get a child like you a present who may otherwise not get one for Christmas”.

Always, without hesitation, a child would ask if he/she could pick one out.

Each year I saw this grow. By the time I left our family business I would be taking a load of toys from each store almost daily to the radio station for distribution so we’d have room for more. By the last year we actually were scrambling to find more requests for gifts to hang on the tree to keep up with the demand. And without fail, the day before the last day to do so…someone would buy up whatever was left on the tree. To see that from people was just amazing. Probably one of my favorite things I ever did then.

When I started CSYP in Colorado Springs we did nothing for the first year, but the second year a well connected woman by the name of Jennifer Wyrick (now Leaver, and now owns the Beaumont in Ouray, CO) suggested we do a toy drive…I said yes immediately and she introduced me to a man named Bob Trethway at Christmas Unlimited…founded in 1923 it’s one of the oldest non-profits in the Rockies. We’re going on 7 years with him in COS now and he also introduced us to Denver Santa Claus Shop which is who we support in the Denver Young Professionals toy drive…now going on year 3.

It’s been fun to see what people will buy, and just as much fun as to hear them talk about it. The loud and outgoing guy who bought the thing that makes the most noise, the guys who chipped in to buy a box (like 50 in the box) of teddy bears because they thought every kids deserves one, or those who buy their favorite childhood toy or game so that some other child may enjoy what they once did.

Toy drives are tough. They are a pain in some ways. You are also at the mercy of the holiday schedule so some years you have amazing ones, others small due to bigger events or an unexpected freezing cold day. But we do them anyway because I believe no matter what we bring in, it’s more than these agencies had before. It’s a few more kids that can know the spirit of Christmas and not be left out of what I believe is an important childhood lesson….the act of giving.

Our toy drive in Denver this year is at Spill December 14th form 6pm-8pm…..or so.Bring one unwrapped toy. All are welcome to attend as all our DYP events are. They aren’t just “networking” events….they are community events to help bring YP’s together. Come to help out, come to hear what others bought and why, and come to be together with other YP’s.

Thanks for your support and we’ll see you on the 8th.

Sincerely,

Jon Severson

Founder, Denver Young Professionals

Founder, Colorado Young Professionals

Brad,

Thank you and the Denver Young Professionals so much for volunteering last weekend. The families in our shelter program were very happy to come back to a clean day center. Also, the food bank has not looked that good in a long time. Thank you all so much for your hard work. Also thank you Brad for planning the event and getting everyone together.

Your help is very much appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed to our clients.

Thanks again,

Alyssa

Alyssa Mesich

Growing Home

Americorps VISTA Volunteer Coordinator

Housing the Homeless, Feeding Families, and Helping Children Succeed

www.growinghome.org

This is why we organize volunteer events. This is why we don’t make people pay or be a “paid” member to do these sort of things. The results pay for themselves. Congrads to all who participated in this and other volunteer days. Also big thanks to Brad Askren who’s helped make these possible and volunteered his time to make these happen.

After a number of years of considering this, we’re looking to open up Colorado Springs First Co-Work space geared towards young professionals.

We’re currently looking at 3 different spaces and due to the fun of such, we can’t say where as of yet. We’ll have the following options available:

-Dedicated Office (have your own door)

-Dedicated Desk (open space)

-Floater Space (for part time needs)

With it, we’ll have a dedicated office hours to be open to the public so people can walk in off the street to learn more about CSYP. We’ll have a once a month Open House event to draw attention to the space as well as a group lunch bike ride that anyone can come on.

Those renting space will also have the opprotunity for:

-Discounted Credit Card Procecessing.

-Virtual Office Solution (VM, Call processing, Call forwarding, etc..) at discount.

-Heavily discounted Print solutions

This is brand new and not all the details are set in place. This is the first space we’re looking to launch with 2 more in COS, 2 in Denver, and hopefully one in Pueblo in 2012. Ideal users will be:

-Self employed (sales reps, designers, contractors)

-Those who work remote, but have an office allowance.

-Anyone who currently works from home, but misses the “office” enviroment.

We will also have the following exclusive space offers will be available for:

-Realtors (limit 2)

-Mortgage broker (limit 1)

-Insurance Agent (Limit 1)

Questions? Interested? Please contact us through the contact form on the website or call Jon Severson direct at 719-387-1277.

Young Professionals Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado (YPAAC) is an Auxiliary Board of the Alzheimer’s
Association of Colorado. Our mission is to heighten the awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, provide support for all
affected families, and promote the advancement of research.

YPAAC Annual Events:

Polar Plunge
- New Year’s Day Polar Plunge at the Boulder Reservoir
Blondes vs Brunettes: Tackling Alzheimer’s with Serious Altitude
- Charity women’s flag football game
Spring Spruce Up
- Annual spruce up of the gardens of a select assisted living facility in the Denver Metro area

With the growing success of YPAAC annual fundraising events it is important that we expand the YPAAC
Board of Directors.

Available Board Positions:

Public Relations Chair
Social Media / Technology Chair
Co-Volunteer Management Chair
Co-Event Management Chair
Five – At Large Board Chairs

*email ypaac@alzco.org for chair descriptions

Board Requirements:
- Attend monthly Executive Board meetings (first Wednesday of every month)
- Commitment to serve a two-year term
- Active participant in all major YPAAC events
- Willingness to devote individual time and effort to the improvement of YPAAC events

Personal time commitment is estimated to be an average of 5 – 8 hours per month in addition to attending monthly
board meetings. This time will increase depending on upcoming YPAAC events.

We provide opportunities for young professionals (aged 21-39) to become active members of their community
while developing strong leadership and philanthropic skills that will serve them well in their personal and
professional lives.

If you are interested in submitting a board application or learning more about a specific board chair please email
ypaac@alzco.org.

www.ypaac.org

The Fruita Fat Tire Festival has been one of Colorado’s most famous and favorite Fat Tire Festivals. Known not just by natives, but Fruita has effectively stolen the title of “Mountain Bike Mecca” from Moab years ago to those who have been in the industry. And even many in Colorado know the truth as well….Fruita is mountain biking.

At first a quiet destination known mostly to only the hard core and those deep within the cycling industry, it’s quickly become a favorite for many others as well. Fruita’s quaint one horse town feel where most of the action is centralized around two city blocks makes it a great place to hang out after a ride. It’s evening festivities as well as the Saturday’s “Clunker Crit” give it a social feel like none other.

If you do make it out, be sure to check out the Hot Tomato Cafe is quiet possibly the best pizza in Colorado. Owned by a couple YP ladies who used to be on the Pro mountain bike circuit, its’ a great pit stop even if you don’t bike and happen to be nearby (or on your way to Vegas…or coming back).

The festival is the brainchild of Troy Rarick, who founded the Over the Edge Sports which is the shop in Fruita. He’s since expanded with shops in Hurricane, UT as well as Melrose, Australia, and soon Sedona. His family thought this 20 something was crazy to clean out a building that sat empty for decades before. A bike shop…in Fruita? Surely he’d lost it. But he’s now known around the world for the trails he loves and his eccentric persona.

Fruita Fat Tire Festival isn’t just a great mountain bike weekend, but a great story of a 20/30 something following his dream. Check back we hop to get an interview with Troy soon.

Note DYP will be represented out there. We’ll be with Front Range Cyclist, so if you are out that way look for their logo to find us as well.

Thank you for volunteering for TEDxMileHigh – we are less than one week away!  We’re nearly sold out and have a tremendous program in place.  With that in mind, we’re excited to have your help in making this a truly first-class experience for everyone in attendance.  Information about specific volunteer assignments will be distributed closer to the event, but for now we want to share some important dates and information.

Additionally, please take a minute (it will really only take 1 minute or less!) to fill out this quick survey with your contact information and availability: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHhMdVZFY0FLaWpVZDExbmhuaDRqNmc6MQ.

It will be critical to have your contact info in advance of April 6.

Wednesday, April 6th – Volunteer Training (at Ellie Caulkins):
Volunteer Training will be held from 6:00pm-9:30pm.Please make every effort to attend training as it will help event day go much more smoothly.
This will also be a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the event and there may be a chance to meet a few speakers. In addition to training we will be doing general setup and will have a packing party to stuff tote bags and prep name tags. Pizza will be provided to keep everyone well fed during the evening. The Ellie will not be open to the public on April 6th, thus everyone must enter through the Stage Door located at 1345 Champa Street.

Thursday, April 7th – Event Day (at Ellie Caulkins):
Event setup will take place from 8:00am-1:30pm. We will need as much help as possible, if you are available please plan on assisting with set-up. TEDxMileHigh Doors open at 2:00pm.

As a volunteer, please plan on arriving at 1:30pm or earlier. Volunteering will take place in shifts to ensure everyone is able to take breaks and enjoy the event.  While we will make every effort to ensure volunteers see the majority of the programming, please note that there may be times when you will be asked to volunteer while the event is in progress.
The program will conclude at 9:00 p.m. and will be following by a cash bar and inspired mingling until as late as 11:00 p.m. A group of volunteers will be needed to assist with breakdown after the event has finished.

Other Helpful Details:
Location – TEDxMileHigh will be held in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 14th Street between Curtis and Champa.
Parking – Available in the Arts Complex Garage (entrances on Arapahoe and 13th, $7-10) or at the Colorado Convention Center (entrance at Speer and Champa, $10)
Dress Code – For all event attendees on April 7, there really isn’t a dress code, except that pretty much no one wears ties to TED/TEDx events.  Jeans are great and something a bit dressier works too, but please dress comfortably as volunteering may include standing and moving items.  On Wednesday, April 6, please dress comfortably.

We will have a team coordinating volunteer efforts.  For questions about volunteering please contact our Volunteer Director, Nancy Schoemann, at nancy.o.schoemann@gmail.com.  You can also reach me at any time at jduhon@denvest.com or 719-439-2089.

Thank you again for serving as part of the team for this event!

Jeremy Duhon
Curator, TEDxMileHigh

Thinking of going? We recommend riding your bike or taking the light rail. Parking can be murder and it’s always good to get away from the mess the goes along with it. Plus it’s too nice of a day not to walk or bike down to the game. Don’t own a bike? Sign up for Denver B-Cycle today, for only $65 a year you get unlimited 30 minute usage of a B-Cycle Bike from the time you check it out of it’s station. Want it for longer? Just get the $6 for the day package. More info at Denver.bcycle.com

See you at the game! Be safe, have fun, and GO ROCKIES!

New Year’s Business Resolutions

In the New Year we often think about ways we can improve ourselves.  How can we feel better, look better or be a better person?  The beginning of the year is not only a great opportunity to evaluate ourselves, but also the perfect time to reassess our business.  Our personal and corporate brands are so intertwined it’s impossible to fully separate them.  Take a look at these five key areas of your personal and business life and see where you might make some resolutions for 2011.

Physical. Cut the fat from your gut and your desk.  Your work space should be clean and organized.  Even if you don’t mind the chaos, your clients, business partners and vendors may feel overwhelmed and distracted.  Keeping a lean work space helps others to stay focused on your product or service.

Emotional. Be a kinder person to those you love and to your work colleagues.  Think of ways you can make working with you a better experience for others.  Empathy, patience and generosity are attractive qualities that will draw others to you and can prove to help you feel good about yourself.

Community. Get involved in your personal and professional community by volunteering.  Anyone can write a check but taking the time to organize a fundraising event, mentor a child or donate your products or services takes real commitment and sacrifice.

Relationships. Strengthen your personal and professional relationship through communication.  Do more listening and less talking to get to know those in your professional circle.  Set aside time each week to have lunch or dinner with others in your own company and industry.  Recognize accomplishments and birthdates with personal notes.

Image. Looking your best will make you feel more confident and build other’s confidence in you.  Make sure you are groomed and styled to mirror your inner strengths and personality.  Convey your expertise with clothes that fit your body well, reflect your personal style and distinguish you from others.

Share this article and exclusive offer with your friends! All Denver Young Professionals receive $25 OFF a Style Assessment! Click here to improve your image today!

For help with your image or if you need a speaker for your next event, contact Milena Joy at www.milenaconsulting.com or (303) 585-0589.  Milena Joy is an image consultant, professional speaker, author and founder of Milena Distinctive Image Consulting a full-service image consultancy located in Denver, CO.

Whether or not the thought of attending the holiday office party makes you groan or giddy with excitement, you should consider how it can either enhance or hinder your career.  The holiday office party is a great opportunity for you to network and make a good impression outside the office. Here are some vital Do’s and Don’ts you will want to follow:

DO Attend the Holiday Party. It is not only respectful, but it will build your reputation as a team player and someone that is dedicated to the company.  Make an appearance and leave at an appropriate time, without closing down the bar.

DON’T Dress Sexy or Sloppy.  This is not the time to show off your best assets or trade in your stuffy suit for sweats.  Keep your look professional and choose an outfit in a festive color or with some fun embellishments instead.  Make sure everything is tucked, adjusted and ironed as smooth as it should be.

DO Network and Schmooze. This is your chance to mingle with top management and other key influencers in your career.  Company parties are one night when everyone is theoretically on the same level.  Take advantage by introducing yourself and building your network.

DON’T Talk Business All Night. You may be perceived as boring or too serious.  Get to know the personal side of your colleagues and you will build more solid relationships.  Keep conversations positive and steer away from hot topics like politics and religion.

DO Have a Free Hand. Keep at least one hand free to greet guests.  It is best to keep your drink in your left hand so you can shake with your right.  This will also prevent you from giving anyone a wet or cold handshake too.

DON’T Over Indulge. Eat and drink in moderation so that you are able to spend your time networking and enjoying the evening with others.  You do not want to spend the evening in a drunken blur or paralyzed in a food coma.

DO Relax and Enjoy. Many companies have eliminated their holiday parities, so feel fortunate that your company can still afford one.  It is a great way for companies to say thank you for you commitment and hard work.  Embrace this well deserved gift.  It may be the only gift you receive from your company this year.

DO Say Thank You. Be sure to thank the person or team in charge of planning the holiday party.  It is also appropriate to send a Thank You to top management for hosting the party.  Your gratitude will be appreciated and will likely not be forgotten.

Share this article and exclusive offer with your friends! All Denver Young Professionals receive $25 OFF a Style Assessment! Click here to improve your image today!

For help with your image or if you need a speaker for your next event, contact Milena Joy at www.milenaconsulting.com or (303) 585-0589.  Milena Joy is an image consultant, professional speaker, author and founder of Milena Distinctive Image Consulting a full-service image consultancy located in Denver, CO.