Written By: Heather Hunter, Synergize, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Synergize finished their first year in Carmel exactly the same way they began: Changing the world with a group of friends.
At their final 4:30 Meetup, the group raised funds for Marlin Jackson’s Fight for Life Foundation. Despite capping attendance for safety, members donated over $1500 to support underserved youth in Indianapolis.
The Fight for Life Foundation was founded by former Indianapolis Colts player Marlin Jackson in 2007. Inspired by Jackson’s own upbringing, the nonprofit teaches social-emotional learning in schools and through athletic programs.
The program helps underserved youth learn to set goals, make good decisions, and manage their emotions. These skills, Jackson explained, aren’t always taught to children with absent parents.
“How good would your decision-making be if you were missing these key crucial relationships?” asked Jackson, who spoke at the event. “If you didn’t have that role model…we fill that gap.”
To boost Synergize’s impact, Vivante will also donate 10% of their revenue from Tuesday night to the Fight for Life Foundation. The French restaurant, located in Hotel Carmichael, opened its doors in August.
“We love supporting local nonprofits and Carmel businesses,” said Heather Hunter, Synergize’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator. “Thanks to Vivante, we get to do both at once.”
As Synergize wraps up December, they’re looking into the future. Since starting with a handful of members in January, the group has raised more than $33,000 for Indiana nonprofits in 2020. Their goal for 2021? $60,000.
“The impact we’ve been able to have on the Carmel and Indianapolis communities wouldn’t be possible without you amazing, altruistic people,” Hunter told attendees. “All of this is because of our members.”
About Synergize
Synergize is a Carmel-based group of business and community leaders who build lifelong friendships instead of business deals. Their members, who value authentic connection and community impact, live by the motto, “Relationships Over Everything.” To learn more about the Synergize movement, visit www.synergizeindy.com.