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There are certain skills that are inherent and others that must be taught. For instance, breathing is inherent, philanthropy must be taught. In case you have never experienced how great it feels to give back and be part of affecting community change, now is a great time to start.
Young Milwaukee Charitable Organization is a new group of young professionals from different backgrounds who organize events to raise awareness and support local causes. July 12, 5-9 p.m., they are hosting the second-annual fundraiser “On the Field, Off the Streets” at the newly remodeled John Hawks Pub (100 E. Wisconsin Ave). Brain Ward (of Ward’s House of Prime) swept up this old English watering hole with stellar River walk real estate.
A $35 ticket gets you complimentary appetizers and beer, cocktail specials, free parking and live music from Revision Text. Plus, there will be raffle prizes, a live auction and local celebrity appearances. Proceeds from this event will benefit four youth football teams for inner-city kids.
Michael Kleber, a young professional and a former UW-Madison football player (2001-03) has a soft spot for youth football. He founded Young Milwaukee with three other friends: Nick Monroe, John Steinmiller and Michael Whitcomb. Three questions for Mr. Kleber:
Q: What was the impetus to start this group?
A: We threw a holiday gala in December – the original four put it together quickly. A lot of charity galas are cost prohibitive for young people. We wanted to have a holiday party for charity with the same elegance, but we kept ticket prices at $10 and asked people to bring toys to donate for kids. We ended up raising $6,000 and collected a boatload of toys. We all sat back and realized we could do other things, have good times and give the people what they want while giving back.
The problem is, young people aren’t always willing to take the couple of extra steps to find out when and where to volunteer and get all the logistics down. So we are trying to alleviate all that – put charity in front of people’s faces. We watched what was going on with Newaukee and wanted to retain the social and networking aspect, but make a community impact.
Q: How do you choose which charities you will work with?
I learned that there weren’t any feeder youth football leagues for high schools in the inner city, so I got together with some friends who are also college football alums. Milwaukee Youth Football was created to provide underprivileged youth the opportunity to play football while also teaching the fundamentals of the teamwork mentality, discipline, dedication, accountability and many other life lessons. All proceeds raised at this event will fund equipment, uniforms and other game-day fees for the 2011 season.
Q: What’s next after this event?
After the event, we are looking to partner with other foundations and charities. We will definitely continue to do the holiday and the football galas.
Buy tickets for “On the Field, Off the Streets” on July 12 online here or at the door. For more information, visit youngmilwaukee.org.
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