The Young Ambassador Circle, a group that helps support the efforts of the Nash UNC Health Care Foundation, is looking to expand its circle by adding new members.
Some members and potential members met on Tuesday at the YAC Kickoff and Member Recruitment Social held at the Bin & Barrel. The purpose of the event was to engage with newcomers to the community and others who may be interested in becoming a part of a social group that works to help the hospital in its aims and to promote community wellness. The event was sponsored by Rocky Mount Academy.
“The Young Ambassador Circle is made up of young professionals throughout the Twin Counties,” said Kathleen Fleming, development officer for the Nash UNC Health Care Foundation. “We have a steering committee that helps guide the organization and our regular members. In addition to fundraising efforts, we also now have service opportunities related to the hospital and the community.”
The Young Ambassador Circle, or YAC, has as its mission to support the purpose of the Nash Health Care Foundation, which is “to advance the mission of Nash Health Care Systems through advocacy, education, fundraising, relationships, and stewardship.” The YAC uses a giving circle model to combine social interaction with the donation.
Giving circles, such as the Young Ambassador Circle, especially appeal to people under the age of 40, according to information supplied by the YAC.
“Giving circles allow donors to leverage their assets by pooling their contributions to achieve a greater impact. Democratically, giving circles provide donors equal voice in deciding where the contributions go. In the process, donors connect with one another and with their community,” literature from the organization reads.
This past year, the group decided to direct its fundraising efforts to the creation of a Cardio Rehab Patient Assistance Fund.
Melanie Townsend, the volunteer chairwoman for the YAC, said she enjoys seeing such programs grow.
“I really enjoy seeing the fruits of our efforts with this organization,” Townsend said. “This past year, we started the Cardio Rehab Patient Assistance Fund and it was great to see our work turned into something important. I also enjoy the quarterly activities and especially the Farm-to-Table dinner that we have each year. It is a really upscale event.”
The Farm-to-Table event is the largest fundraiser each year. This year, the event will be held in September at Rose Hill in Nashville.
Participants in the YAC can choose giving levels ranging from $75 to $600 per year for an individual and from $125 to $1,000 per year for a couple. Higher giving levels allow participants to attend more social events each year. There is no age limit on membership.
For more information about joining the Young Ambassador Circle, go to https://www.nashuncfoundation.org/ or contact Fleming at kathleen.fleming@unchealth.unc.edu.
