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Young professionals' group in Indy poised to boost local charity

Posted at 3:33 PM, Sep 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-01 15:36:54-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- It takes a big idea and a lot of work to make a difference. And now, a young professionals' group in Indianapolis is looking to give a $5,000 boost to one of three local charities.

Here's the catch: those charities have to make a pitch during the annual JCI Indianapolis "Lets Wine About It" event next Saturday, September 9th.  Whichever charity ends the evening with the most votes wins the grant money.

In addition to the cash award, the charity with the most votes will also receive the help of more than 50 volunteers to turn a notion into a reality.

According to JCI Indianapolis, the three finalists, from nearly 15 community groups who applied, are Indianapolis Parks Foundation, Intercollegiate YMCA, and the Starfish Initiative. 

The Indianapolis Parks Foundation wants to engage youth through their Indy Urban Acres program, educating local young people about growing food and healthy eating. 

Intercollegiate YMCA looks to provide financial literacy courses in low-income areas with The Money Game. 

And The Starfish Initiative hopes to help high school students achieve post-secondary academic and career success through their Career Exploration for our Community’s Economic Future program, in which students are guided towards careers and colleges best suited to them.

“As we pursue civic engagement throughout the next year, we will serve as a partner to ensure the success of whichever project takes home the prize,” says JCI Chapter President, Stephanie Lander.

The "Let's Wine About It" wine-tasting event, emceed by RTV6's Marc Mullins, will also give attendees the chance to discuss local issues and offer solutions for problems plaguing the city. 

The event is Saturday, September 9th at the Downtown Speak Easy at 47 South Meridian Street.

For tickets andfor more information, click here

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