Emerging Tech Companies Intersect with Nonprofits at Philanthro’s Connect 2011 Event
Carmageddon couldn’t stop these young professionals from attending Connect 2011, an invitation-only event designed to connect emerging technology companies with the nonprofit community. The event, which took place in Downtown at the Spring Arts Tower on Friday, July 15, 2011, was put on by Philanthro Productions and sponsored by CallFire.
What wasn’t there to enjoy about Connect 2011?Attendees received free appetizers with an open bar, all while having the opportunity to interact and engage with LA’s most innovative companies and nonprofits.
Co-president Yelena Shkolnik of Philanthro Los Angeles described Connect as “An exciting departure for Philanthro, which, since its inception has focused on connecting Generation Y with the transparent, passionate nonprofits they can trust to create real and sustainable impact.”
“With this event,” continued Shkolnik, “Philanthro has expanded the ways in which it supports its network of nonprofits, offering an opportunity for charities to interact with the latest technological tools to help them operate more efficiently and to more effectively spread their message. We thank everyone for attending, and look forward to future events in which we find new ways to engage this next generation of philanthropists and support the most promising organizations for change.”
Who was at this snazzy event? Below are just a few of the companies I was able to connect with:
InVenture — It was great seeing the InVenture team of Jen, Tom, LiAnn and their intern, Manali, and getting a first look at the newly-released website. InVenture asks the question, “Are you ready to InVest in Good?” With as little as $25 you can partner with this social enterprise to empower businesses in developing communities to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty.
Roozt - Even if you left the bar, you could still get a drink with Roozt. Roozt was serving shots and getting folks to wear some chicken hats. Melisa, Jason and Nick from the team entered people’s chicken-hat photos in Roozt’s contest to win credit on their site. Roozt helps ethical shoppers discover and save on socially responsible brands that make a positive influence on the world.
MyCyper — Awesome founder Curtis Jewell showed us MyCypher.com, which allows anyone to showcase his or her creative voice in near real-time, from anywhere in the world, by recording over a computer microphone or standard cell phone. I was excited to see the site, especially because I recognized the audio stream of Cyrano, a talented and amazing rapper I met through the organization AIM, which uses art as a way to reach out to at-risk youth.
ONE HOPE Wine - Did you know that you could drink wine and give back to your community? It is possible. A highlight of Connect 2011 was sponsor ONE HOPE Wine. They donate an astounding 50% of their profits to partner charities, benefiting a variety of causes. It was awesome to know that each wine represents a different cause. I decided to go with Merlot for AIDS, since I my accompanying friend works for AIDS Walk Los Angeles (coming up in LA October 16).
Overall, I had a great time at the event and look forward to more events from Philanthro. I also enjoyed hanging out with inspiring, young change-makers from StartingBloc, YNPN Los Angeles and AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
To learn more about the event and other attendees visit:http://www.connect2011.philanthroproductions.org/
photo credit: Kwiri Yang, StartingBloc Fellow
Andrew
August 2, 2011
Thanks for attending Kristeen & The Hub LA. We really appreciate you sharing this! We’re thrilled to work with you guys to nurture LA’s incredible community of Social Entrepreneurs and future Philanthropists!