April 2008
By Christy Oldani
Hello everyone, and welcome to the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ GenNext Web site. More than three years ago, I started this group with a handful of other volunteers, and I am so happy to see how this group has grown.
GenNext started with a simple mission: to engage young professionals in their community. We wanted GenNext members learn how their personal community involvement could make a positive impact on the region. GenNext members would also meet a diverse group of peers and local leaders, including United Way board members. Click to learn more
Thanks to all our GenNext volunteers who showed up to help out at three United Way agencies: Catholic Charities, United Cerebral Palsy Association and St. Vincent’s Home for Children. Check out some of our favorite photos! Have some of your own to share? Send them our way.
1. Where do you work?
I’m a tax senior at AMD. I work with individuals and closely-held businesses in their tax planning and in trying to achieve their financial goals. I also do quite a bit of consulting for nonprofits. I kind of fell into it because my accounting teacher in high school was great.
2. How long have you lived in St. Louis?
About five years. I just always wanted to move to St. Louis. I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois, and we always came here to go to the zoo and the Muny. I knew I wanted to move to a bigger city. Chicago was too big, but St. Louis seemed like a good fit.
3. How and when did you get involved with GenNext?
I heard about it at a networking event in June 2006. I had been looking for somewhere I could volunteer. GenNext was a perfect fit. Click to learn more
Every Friday in May, from 8 to 10 p.m., stop by rBar to be served by members of the GenNext steering committee participating in “Serving a Cause.” And tip well - all tips will go to the United Way.
Steering committee members will be in groups of two and competing to see who can raise the most money in tips. Committee member Kevin Haar has been watching the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail to pump himself up for the competition. Kevin will be bartending with Anna Gettemeier on May 30 and feels pretty good about his chances. Click to learn more
On Friday, April 11, the GenNext steering committee took on the Metropolis steering committee in what I am calling the first annual young professionals bowl-a-thon. Both groups set out to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Bowl for Kids’ Sake event.
A trophy would be presented to the team that could raise the most money. The GenNext group showed off our fundraising prowess by raising over $1,500, easily toppling the Metropolis steering committee. Click to learn more