On Thursday, Oct. 22, OVConnect will host a gathering meant to “connect” an impressive list of local non-profits with community members who are looking for a way to serve and support the work that these organizations do. OV Connect is an organization committed to helping young professionals in the area connect, thrive, succeed, and grow our region; the organization is a non-profit and serves as the local chapter of Generation West Virginia.
The “Do Something” Non-Profit event will be held at River City restaurant in downtown Wheeling. OVConnect has invited members of the public to engage with 15 non-profits (all of whom applied to be part of the event) to hopefully make a “connection” with one or more of them. It is said that the intersection of someone’s passion and mission with something they are uniquely positioned to do is the “sweet spot” of service. At this event, people will have a chance to figure out whether there’s a “service sweet spot” for them supporting one of these organizations.
Here’s what’s unique about this event: each participating non-profit will have a chance to briefly present a little bit about what they do, and, most importantly, clearly state the specific type of support that they are looking for from one or more members of the group. This is not a chance for the organizations to ask for direct monetary support, but instead it’s a chance to for them to request help that taps into the leadership, talents, and network of everyone there, such as board membership, a specific volunteer opportunity, lending talent to strengthen their marketing strategy or business plan, connections to decision makers, and other important constituent groups, etc. If someone is so inspired by what they find out about the organization that they want to write a check, well, that’s okay too, but that’s not what this event is all about. As an attending community member, you will have a chance to hear about the organization and the support that they are looking for, and then to participate in some “speed networking,” when you will have a chance to connect one-on-one with organizations you are interested in to learn more, or to “sign up” to help them out. There will also be a way for you to indicate interest in being contacted by one or more of these non-profits if you are not able to stay for the “speed networking” hour.
Here’s a list of the organizations who are participating in this event:
YWCA Wheeling
Harmony House, Inc.
Holy Family Child Care & Development Center, Inc.
Augusta Levy Learning Center
Crittenton Services, Inc.
American Heart Association
Oglebay Institute (Schrader Center)
Oglebay Institute (other programs)
The House of the Carpenter
Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley
Grow Ohio Valley
Catholic Charities West Virginia
Youth Services System, Inc.
King’s Daughters Childcare Center
St. John’s Home for the Children
There was more interest in this event on the part of local non-profits than we were able to accommodate. Since the “application period” ended, we have heard from seven organizations that wanted to participate; that’s awesome, and depending on the success of this one, we are considering holding a second one in the spring. However, if only these eager and hard-working organizations show up, and not a good number of members of our community who want to help them succeed, this will not be a good use of anyone’s time. SO, please come out! Please spread the word! Please help us “Do Something” to have the backs of those among us who take care of the most vulnerable and needy members of our community. I feel so confident that all who attend will walk away with something that they’re inspired to do and that meets their schedule, their unique talents, their network, and their budget.
We are so grateful to our sponsors: River City Restaurant, Dinsmore & Shohl, McKinley-Carter Wealth Services, and Weelunk.com. Thanks to their support, we are able to offer appetizers for free, and there is no charge for our non-profits or members of the public to participate. There will be a cash bar, so stop by after work and hear about the important work that is being done through these organizations, and how you can be a part of it!
Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Sarah Koegler is a Board Member of OVConnnect