Emerging Philanthropists
During the recent Emerging Philanthropists’ 2025 Cornhole Tournament, United Way for Southeastern Michigan asked attendees, “In one word, how would you describe the Emerging Philanthropists?”
“Community,” said Haley Billey, membership alliance manager at National Park Friends Alliance.
“Welcoming,” said Mike Delaney, financial representative at Northwestern Mutual.
“Energized,” said Ryan Leonard, founder of Emphasis Consulting, LLC.
“Inspiring,” said Mike Vitale, sales manager at Adams Outdoor Advertising.
Their words perfectly captured the event featuring a live DJ, buffet, bar and raffle prizes, hosted at Adams Outdoor Advertising in Ypsilanti. This year, the friendly competition raised $17,605 for our 2-1-1 helpline, which has connected over 118,000 community members with more than 186,000 resources this year.
“The great part is that it takes a lot of people to pull this together; it’s not just organizers but sponsors, too,” said Mike V. “It’s pretty cool that people from different backgrounds and different types of businesses come together to make a successful event with a common goal in mind.”
A NETWORK OF FUN
Dressed as Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story”, Mike D. and Ryan shared their focus on finding community after getting married and moving to Michigan from Delaware.
“The last two years we’ve been really focused on what it means for us to live in Michigan,” said Ryan. “Now, we’re finally starting to branch out.”
Michigan-born Mike D. first connected with United Way years ago while working with GM in Flint.
“I was always really active with United Way and then, when I moved, my affiliation was severed— I had to get back in a different capacity,” said Mike D. “I was looking at different networks I could join and I saw the Emerging Philanthropists, it sounded fun.”
Mike D. and Ryan weren’t the only attendees who joined Emerging Philanthropists and the Cornhole Tournament in search of community. Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw Board Member Haley began a new chapter in her life this past spring.
“I recently had my first child six months ago, and through being a mother, I’m learning the village it takes and the resources you need to care for a child,” said Haley. “I really love the connections I’ve made through Emerging Philanthropists and United Way— it’s the friendships and giving back to the community that keeps me going.”
The Emerging Philanthropists are more than just a community of support; the group is mobilizing positive change across our region.
“Joining the Emerging Philanthropists is a great way to learn how you can use your connections and resources to make your community a better place to live,” said Haley. “I’m going to do the best I can to support other women and their children, so that they can have as many resources as I’ve had and they are able to thrive.”
EVERYBODY WINS
Our 2025 Cornhole Champions, Travis Wegener and Trey Salisbury from Plante Moran, were double winners. Along with the trophy, the champs took home the award for best team name: the Bag Street Boys.
“The Emerging Philanthropists are making an impact in a fun way,” said Reese Waterhouse, event and development lead at Girls on the Run. “I love coming to things like this because I’m supporting other organizations and getting to know people who want to be involved.”
The vice president of Community Investment at Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Chris Lemon, and board member of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Rich Chang, successfully defended their title of Best Dressed for the second consecutive year. The chrome duo sparkled and posed in the face of steep competition, winning with matching metallic jumpsuits and accessories.
Everyone could be a winner with amazing raffle prizes, including a Yeti basket, Piston’s basket, EMU tickets and tailgate basket, and Bosch Speaker. Ann Arbor City Councilmember, Travis Radina, beamed while collecting the Bosch Speaker and Adams Outdoors’ Mike V. happily took home the EMU tailgate basket.
“This is my first year here, and it is quite the impressive set up,” said Mike V. “It’s nice to be surrounded by positive people with good vibes and know it’s going to benefit people in the long run.
“If people don’t take an active part in making the community better, then it gets worse— it’s incumbent upon us to give back.”
Interested in joining the Emerging Philanthropists? Click here for more information, and stay updated for future events on their Facebook and LinkedIn.
