CARMEL, IN – On May 23, members and guests of Synergize gathered at Bar Louie in for the group’s monthly 4:30 Meetup. Like all Synergize 4:30 Meetups, this one supported a non-profit cause. This month, the cause was Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana (OKI).
For over 40 years, Make-A-Wish has granted wishes for children with critical illnesses. The organization works with families and community partners to turn every critically ill child’s wish into a reality. A wish can be anything, but it often looks like a trip to a fun place, a meeting with a role model, or a unique party or experience with friends and family.
“I have the best job in the world because I have an opportunity to bring children joy.” said Leslie Scott, Indiana Market Director of Advancement, who spoke at the event. To her, the most special thing about Make-A-Wish is that it includes the entire family and the surrounding community, not just the wish kid.
“We’ve never granted a wish where we didn’t rely on the local community to help us do so,” she said.
Hunter Beeson, a wish alum who now works full-time for the organization, spoke about his experience and how his wish to meet the U.S. president changed his life. Other speakers included Ben Weir, President of Current Publishing, who also has a personal experience with Make-A-Wish. Current Publishing is a longtime Presenting Partner of Synergize.
This 4:30 Meetup was sponsored by Creative Works, an organization that connected with Make-A-Wish at a 4:30 Meetup in 2021. While travel wishes were restricted due to COVID-19, Creative Works stepped in to grant experience-based wishes, like redoing wish kids’ rooms.
“That’s why we love bringing the non-profit in to speak and mingle, instead of just donating the funds we raise,” said Arron Stanton, Founder of Synergize. “Money isn’t the only way people can support a cause they love. Connections like that are awesome to see.”
Connections that create impact are at the heart of Synergize. The networking group creates spaces where sales pitches and pipelines aren’t part of the overall culture. Instead, Synergize values opportunities to partner with and support other members both personally and professionally.
The 4:30 Meetup, which takes place monthly on the 4th Tuesday, is just one of these opportunities. Each 4:30 Meetup includes time to connect with the other attendees and hear from whichever organization Synergize is supporting that night. This month, the group will donate over $2,500 to Make-A-Wish OKI from membership dues and ticket sales.
To learn more about Synergize and get involved with the organization, visit synergizeindy.com.