YPs are off to the races for first annual fundraiser

The YPs were off to the races May 2 for our first annual Kentucky Derby party.

Partygoers enjoyed delicious food alongside derby-themed cocktails like mint juleps as we prepared to watch the run for the roses. Online gambling allowed attendees to bet on their favorite horses.

American Pharoah wasn't the only winner that day. After the race, a raffle provided lucky winners a chance to take home a 55" LG flat screen smart TV or a basket of Kentucky bourbons. 

But what would a derby party be without the classic Churchill Downs fashion and its iconic hats?  

Nine ladies entered our hat contest. The crowd favorite took home a pecan pie.

Altogether, 40 people dressed in their derby best for this inaugural fundraising event. Their support will go toward the community focused objectives of the BWYP and the Black River Walk, one of our current projects.  

Thank you everyone who attended and had fun with us! Special thanks go out to Tom for opening the Alley Room to us and Kati from Blossoming Affairs for the beautiful flowers.

It's Gus Macker time again!

It's hard to believe that it's almost Macker time again. Please join us and volunteer some time this year at the Gus Macker 3v3 basketball tournament May 22, 23 and 24.  

Crystal Jahn is once again in charge of registration.  This volunteer opportunity is for Friday, May 22 between 3:30 – 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 23 between 6:30 a.m. and noon.  You can sign up for smaller blocks of time if that works for you. 

This is a great event and the BWYP is proud to be a part of it for the third year. Please use the link below to register.  Thank you so much.

 We're using VolunteerSpot to organize volunteers for Gus Macker 2015. Here's how it works in three easy steps:

Click here to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot or cut and paste this link into your browser: http://vols.pt/EEJ2Ja

Enter your email address. You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot.

Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Monthly socials a new feature for YPs

Attention BWYP members! We will now have monthly socials in addition to our general membership meetings. Previously, socials were only held every quarter.

These gatherings are a great way to interaction with and get to know fellow members in a more relaxed setting. Socials will be targeted for the second Thursday of each month unless combined with another event.

Two upcoming socials will fall on different days: 

This month, on April 16, we will be partnering with The Center for Michigan to host a community conversation on college value and affordability. We'd like to hear your thoughts on this topic! The Center will share your top priorities for improving college value and affordability with state leaders.

Don't forget to sip a brew or grab a bite to eat while there. Thumbcoast Brewery will be donating 10 percent of their profits from the social to the YPs! Event starts at 5:30 p.m.

Please RSVP via this link: https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/585/mtglistproc.asp?formid=Calender&caleventid=340

Our June social will be combined with our first ever Slow Roll on June 17. We will be riding bikes from the Marysville Golf Club to Harsen's Island Brewery (social location) and back. This event starts at 6 p.m. 

Kentucky Derby Party tickets now on sale

Buy your tickets for our first annual Kentucky Derby Party now! Join us May 2 on the McMorran Place Lawn from 4-8 p.m.

Tickets are $75 per person. Includes open bar with derby themed cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, lawn games, raffles, prizes and a comfortable southern style venue to watch and cheer on the horses.

 Derby style attire is encouraged, with a prize for best hat. And ladies, the more outrageous the hat the better! Visit our exclusive derby hat dealer, Simply Marcella's in St. Clair.

Proceeds benefit the Blue Water Young Professionals and the Black River Walk.

Make an Impression was impressive

The Blue Water Young Professionals hosted their first Make an Impression event on Wednesday March 11, 2015. Approximately 25 people met at River Crab Restaurant & Blue Water Inn in St. Clair. Attendees had an opportunity to have a professional headshot taken by photographer Brittany Collins, get LinkedIn tips from Nicole Francois, and network with some new faces.

Photos will be processed an emailed to attendees in the coming weeks.

Unable to attend? The YPs plan to host another Make an Impression event later this year.

The BWYPs owe a big thanks to Brittany Collins and Nicole Francois for offering their services for this event!