Aaron Plafkin personifies the old saying, “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
The 31-year-old spends his days in finance at the Amway Corporation. But he dedicates his free time to volunteering with groups like the Kent County Literacy Council, the United Way, and Gilda’s Club, the cancer support organization. Lately, he’s devoting his time, talent, and treasure to Leading For Our Kids, a newly-formed group of young adults raising money for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Plafkin’s community involvement sprung from a deal he made with himself after earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees: After taking some time to better himself, he vowed to start doing the same for others.
“Being a little selfish if part of being young,” Plafkin says. “You’re trying to build your life and do things for your future, and that’s a good thing. But there comes a time to give back.”
Sure he could spend evenings in front of the TV or on a barstool. Sometimes he does. But Plafkin believes getting involved in charitable causes rewards both the community and the individual. And he's not alone. More and more, young professionals are seeking out – and relying on – charitable opportunities for career development and social networking around the community. And there is no dearth of opportunities to get involved in Grand Rapids.
“When you get involved, you get to meet great people, you see people at their best, and you make good contacts,” Plafkin says. “But you also get to find out what you like and what you’re good at.”
Drive After Five
On a recent Tuesday night, a dozen young professionals gathered at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids to hear how the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital puts money raised by Leading For Our Kids to good use. In its second year, LFOK has generated approximately $45,000 for the hospital through various functions – after-work social hours, a bowling event, and the flagship Earn-an-Elf auction. Those dollars have enabled the hospital to provide special equipment for children with cystic fibrosis and funding for an intensive feeding clinic - one of only five in the nation - for children who have lost their appetite due to illness.
By day, LFOK members work in banks, law firms, and large corporations, among other places. When the whistle blows, you might expect them to head home and kick back. But, according to LFOK founder Kim Boyer, participants are enthused to be a part of something that benefits their community and fits their lifestyles.
“I think that young people in GR want to do something positive,” says Boyer, 33. “But many are starting a family or a career, and it can be hard to find [charitable activities] that work with their schedules.”
To that end, LFOK offers an informal after-hours format and a variety of activities. While about 30 core members do most of the organizing, hundreds of young adults around the region have found time in their busy schedules to attend group fundraisers and events.
Opportunities Galore
LFOK is just one example of how young people in West Michigan are making a difference in the community.
Nina Perko, recently elected the 80th President of the Grand Rapids chapter of the Junior Chamber International, or Jaycees, says that community involvement is probably the biggest motivator for those who join her group, which also focuses on leadership and individual development.
“Generally, about 75 percent of people who join want to help out the community,” she says. Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics are just a few of the local organizations that benefit from Jaycees activities.
The same goes for the Grand Rapids Young Professionals, the three-year-old organization formed by Grand Valley State University grad Josh May and a handful of friends. Networking and professional development are central to the group’s mission. But service opportunities, such as the annual Grand River cleanup organized in partnership with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, draw a big crowd.
“The most positive response we get from people is for the community types of events,” says May, a realtor.
With more groups either incorporating volunteer work into their mission, or making it the primary focus, opportunities to help out are on the rise.
“I see volunteer opportunities now much more than I used to – maybe because I’m in the business world,” says Alison Lincoln, a 25-year-old Grand Rapids native who devotes 10-15 hours each month volunteering at the Humane Society of Kent County. She also helps out occasionally with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“I’d definitely say that people my age are volunteering more and more.”
It's the Network
After-hours endeavors can be altruistic in nature for young adults. But there are several unintended, yet welcome, perks to getting involved as well.
“It’s not [a business networking group], but Jaycees tend to do business with Jaycees,” Nina Perko says. “A lot of members got their current job through Jaycees…some even found their current spouse.”
Josh May agrees. “[Volunteering] certainly serves a purpose on a social level by giving people the opportunity to meet others in their age group and profession,” he says.
It can also help expand the skills set and broaden horizons. Nina Perko credits her participation in the Jaycees with elevating her personal confidence and improving her public speaking skills. And Aaron Plafkin says his involvement with various charities has led him to consider nonprofit work as an eventual career move. Volunteering seems to have nudged these young professionals out of their proverbial boxes, producing some mutually-beneficial results for the person and the community.
“Some people my age are really comfortable just hanging out with the same old friends, going to the bars, and doing the same old things,” says KelliJo Peltier, 24. “But getting involved in really crucial to personal development. More importantly, it’s important to making a difference in the community and, ultimately, in the lives of others.”
Getting Involved
So what charitable opportunity is right for you? Alison Lincoln says pick something that fits your personal interest and schedule. She chose the Human Society, for example, because she loves animals and has the time to get involved. She encourages her friends and peers to explore volunteer opportunities by browsing the web, picking up the phone, or stopping by a local organization
“There’s a constant need [for volunteers], as people drop out and move on," Lincoln says. "And there are plenty of good resources if someone wants to help."
Need suggestions? Help the Heart of West Michigan United Way provide food, clothing, or gifts to a needy family with children over the holiday. Serve the Thanksgiving banquet at Mel Trotter Ministries. Or take an hour to roll up a sleeve and donate blood, which is always in high demand over the busy holidays. Volunteer Solutions has a comprehensive list of local agencies in need of volunteers, by area.
Indeed, opportunities abound, especially with the holidays approaching. The Jaycees, for example, are planning a holiday shopping trip for underprivileged children. And the Earn an Elf Auction, a benefit for DeVos Children's Hospital, will take place on November 9, 2007 at River House Condominiums.
“We’re not writing the $10,000 checks, but we are donating our time and resources,” says Aaron Wong, a member of Leading For Our Kids, the group organizing the auction. “The spirit of giving starts right now. We will be the people who can make things happen for this community in the future.”
Bridie Kent, a freelance writer, has lived in Grand Rapids since graduating from Aquinas College in ‘03. She also works as a recruiter for Michigan Community Blood Centers. She wrote about
restoring old homes in Heritage Hill in the September 27 edition of
Rapid Growth Media.
Photos:
Alison Lincoln and "Lou Lou" the dog. Alison volunteers her time at the Humane Society of Kent County each month
Todd Reese picks up trash along the Grand River
Alison Lincoln walks "Lou Lou" along the walking path behind the Humane Society
Todd Reese made it a family outing to clean up the Grand River downtown
Tons of trash is removed each year from the river
Photographs by Brian Kelly - All Rights Reserved
Brian Kelly is Managing Photographer of Rapid Growth and a freelance photographer living in Grand Rapids. You can check out his
blog here.