Spotlight on Emerging Philanthropists

What’s Better Than Cornhole With Friends?

This October, the Emerging Philanthropists presented their seventh-annual Cornhole Tournament. A fun, light-hearted evening of food, prizes and friendly competition took place while teams battled for the top spot. The tournament was held at the Adams Outdoor Advertising facility in Ypsilanti, which offered the space in-kind for the event this year.

The tournament marked the first major event to take place since the official merger between United Way for Southeastern Michigan and United Way of Washtenaw County. This gathering was a testament to how much can get accomplished when we come together for the community. Nearly 90 people attended, an incredible turnout that doubled last year’s count. And, thanks to increased sponsorships and registrations, the tournament was able to raise more money than ever, with $11,000 going to the Crisis and Recovery Fund.

Ben Thompson, corporate relations director at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, credited the Emerging Philanthropists in Washtenaw County for acting as primary organizers of the event, driving registration and raising funds, too.

“We vastly increased the sponsorship amounts and we are bringing more sponsors to the table— we’ve been able to really lean into Southeastern Michigan to bring those together,” Ben said.

Emerging Philanthropists are a group of early to mid-career professionals who engage in volunteering, advocating and fundraising for United Way. Members donate, contribute their time and have opportunities to network with community philanthropic leaders and local corporate executives.

“I got involved about 10 years ago, but we have been really growing it a lot lately,” said Megan Mazurek, a realtor with Reinhart Relators who serves as co-chair for Emerging Philanthropists.

“My co-chair Liz Garza and I have helped evolve the group by introducing different events and getting more people involved.”

Although all who attended were winners, only one team could get the gold: This year’s Cornhole Tournament Champions were Brad Ekonen and Ryan Ducharme!

Brad is not only a member of the Emerging Philanthropists committee, but he also is the internal lead for the United Way campaign at Hylant. Brad joined the Emerging Philanthropists about a year and a half ago. He said he has already made true friendships that he’s grateful for.

“It’s more than just a professional or a philanthropy group, it’s a group of friends,” Brad said. “It’s truly awesome to be a part of this group because they are young professionals, but they truly care about you and they’re there for you. We are all different ages, so it’s a very good mixture of talent and mindset.”

Jill Villemure, an account executive at Kemner lott Benz and Emerging Philanthropists committee member, agrees. During her six years in the group, she has enjoyed watching her friends grow in their careers. She now recommends United Way to anyone who may need a helping hand.

“United Way has always just been there for all ages, from school kids all the way up to whoever needs it,” Jill said. “I checked out the Emerging Philanthropist meeting; I loved the message, I loved the people, and I had a lot of fun, so I just continued to come around and around and around.”

Sponsors of the Cornhole Tournament included LaFontaine Kia of Ypsilanti, Golden Limousine International, Washtenaw Community College, Reinhart Realtors, ITC Fortis Company, Kemner lott Benz, Legacy Wealth Partners, Retirement Income Solutions, Ann Arbor SPARK, Bank Michigan, Hylant and Adams Outdoor Advertising. ABC Warehouse donated a 65-inch 4K Roku TV for top prize in the cookie raffle.

Interested in joining the Emerging Philanthropists affinity group? Sign up today at https://unitedwaysem.org/get-involved/give/philanthropic-groups/emerging-philanthropists/emerging-philanthropists-signup/

Find out more about our other philanthropic groups here: https://unitedwaysem.org/get-involved/give/philanthropic-groups/.