“I knew that research was out there, but 62 percent is really eye-opening,” said Porter, current vice chair of Metro EDGE, the Metro Chamber’s young professional program.

That number, presented by Downtown Development District of New Orleans CEO Kurt Weigle, was part of a body of research that found most young professionals across the nation pick a city based on things they value before finding a job.

“Earning a good living is important, naturally, but the best and brightest are looking for more than just a paycheck,” said 2012 Metro EDGE Chair Sean O’Brien. “Young professionals are looking for a place to live the best life they can—they want to make it count.”

What do young professionals base their locale choices on? In New Orleans the research pointed out things like diverse and unique neighborhoods, convenient housing and public transportation, and a clean environment. A vibrant arts community, access to entertainment and outdoor recreation also top the list.

“We want Sacramento to be a place where young professionals are excited to live. We want to keep our homegrown talent and attract the best from across the country. We want those who will help lead this region toward a prosperous future. That under-40 talent pool is the future of this city,” said O’Brien.

Ensuring Sacramento’s future is at the heart of Metro EDGE’s mission. The goal: to Engage, Develop, Give and Empower the 40-and-under young leaders of the Sacramento region.

Founded in 2009, membership has grown to more than 450 strong. Members come from a myriad of business sectors, ethnic groups and education levels. They have access to various professional enrichment opportunities that are offered throughout the year. EDGE-ucational Forums, networking events and philanthropic projects are among the many Metro EDGE offerings that bring young professionals together.

More than purely social, Metro EDGE provides future leaders a chance to contribute today. Since inception, Metro EDGE has logged more than 1,200 hours of community service and raised more than $8,000 in cash and in-kind services for charitable causes in 2011.

“Our members are incredibly engaged. We want to help, and we want to be a part of positive change,” said O’Brien.

The group encourages members to get involved. From city council meetings to Metro Chamber events to the Next Economy Regional Forums, our members are everywhere.

“Metro EDGE represents the voice of young professionals in the region,” said O’Brien. “We’re not going to be heard, or contribute to any kind of solution, by sitting on the sidelines.”

Not only civically active, Metro EDGE is leading the charge in taking pride in our hometown.

“New Orleans has a very unique brand. It has a culture all its own. It has swagger,” said Porter. “Sacramento desperately needs to embrace its own identity, and Metro EDGE is working toward that end.”

Porter went on by saying, “We have some of the best weather and freshest food in the nation, we’re the state capital, and we have an amazing community and family atmosphere. We all need to take some pride in how great this region is. We all need to believe it and live it every day. Metro EDGE members are doing it, and we want everyone to.”

Metro EDGE is encouraging a larger contingency of its members to join the 2012 Metro Chamber Study Mission to Denver this fall. Part of that program will be devoted to studying the Downtown Denver Partnership’s strategy to attract and retain young professionals. That strategy includes creating a vibrant center city for the surrounding region by building up downtown physically, culturally and socially.

“Young professionals in Sacramento have chosen to live here. We all have a stake in this community and we want it to thrive,” said O’Brien. “It is truly a great time to be a young professional. And it’s an even better time to be in the Sacramento region.

Have you ever been to a party where jello shots were served by roaming robots? We have! And it wasn’t while dreaming we were in an episode of the Jetsons! (Although Rosie could probably make a mean jello shot!)

We are proud to report that MetroEdge was a sponsor of Bots ‘n Shots on Friday, September 30. The party aimed to raise community awareness about the Discovery Museum Science and Space Center (which will soon become the Powerhouse Science Center). When completed, the Powerhouse Science Center will be a hands-on museum that will immerse children in all things science with demonstrations, games, and exhibits. Construction of the center will soon break ground along the river between Discovery Park and Old Sacramento, taking advantage of prime Sacramento real estate.

At Bots n’ Shots partygoers embraced thier inner geek with rocket launches, cockroach races and beer pong. Who says science isn’t fun?! Organizers made sure this event was truly a ”fun-raiser” complete with an open bar and live music. 

More than 300 people enjoyed the party, including Mayor and Mrs. Johnson, and helped raise more funds for such a valuable addition to the Greater Sacramento region.

Thanks to all the MetroEdgers who came out in support of such a great cause (and had a fabulous time doing it)! Were any of you at the Bots n’ Shots party? What was your favorite part?

Junior Achievement’s Annual Crazy Bowl is Oct. 14-15

Metro EDGE had a team out on Saturday for the Junior Achievement Crazy Bowl!  There were over 20 teams at the event – which raised money for JA programs for Sacramento area kids in grades K-12. There was music, raffle prizes, and even a visit from Mojo, the mascot for the Sacramento Mountain Lions football team. Metro EDGErs met with some of the JA board members, other local service clubs, and brought a good competitive spirit to the bowling score board. All in all, a great day and a great way to help the JA programs that benefit almost 9,000 kids in our region.

Metro EDGE was out in full force for a good cause on January 17th for our 2nd annual MLK Day of Service.  EDGE members got their hands dirty to help beautify the Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC) by pulling weeds, cleaning and landscaping.  Thirty-five hours of service were logged for EDGE – a great start for the new year!

Staff at RFDC were very appreciative for the time Metro EDGE was able to give and reminded us about opportunities to volunteer at the Center throughout the year.  Check out www.robertsfdc.com if you’re interested in getting involved.

The Metro EDGE team braving the cold at Run To Feed The Hungry 201

The temperature reading on the car dashboard said 32. That’s freezing right? Regardless, it was ridiculously cold. And early. But lo and behold Metro EDGE’s Run to Feed the Hungry Team started gathering at 7:30am on Thanksgiving morning. With mittens, hats, and cups of Peet’s coffee in hand, the Metro EDGE crew came together to support the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Service’s 17^th annual Run to Feed the Hungry.

This year the race drew about 30,000 participants to the big event, which offered a 5k or 10k walk or run that takes you from the Sac State campus down J Street, through East Sac and back. The streets were lined as always with cheerful supporters, yelling encouraging words, staying cozy with cups of hot cocoa or sipping a morning mimosa.

This was the second year that Metro EDGE brought together a team to participate, and this year we raised $1,565 in additional donations, on top of the entry fees that support the charitable cause.

Here’s a little background on the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services – they provide critical services free of charge to community members. SFBFS is able to leverage funds to turn every $1 donated into $10 worth of products and services. Here are some examples of how the donations are used:

• Food Assistance: $10 = a 4 day supply of nutritious food for a family of 4.
• Clothing: $10 = 20 articles of clothing for 5 people.
• Mother-Baby: $20.00 = infant formula, diapers and baby clothing for a family of 4.
• Women’s Wisdom Art: $50 = 8 classes of art education for 4 students.
• Computer Clubhouse: $500 = 1 week of technology-based after school activities for 15 children.

The event was a huge success for the Sacramento community. It was a great way to start the Thanksgiving day for Metro EDGE’s participants, and demonstrated our commitment to giving back to our local community. Some of us walked, some ran, and we all had a blast. Next year we’ll be out there again – and we’ll work to get even more runners out there and beat this year’s fundraising mark of $1,565!

‘Tis the season of feasts and gift giving. Let’s make sure people from all walks of life feel the love this season. Our Philanthropy committee, headed up by KP Public Affairs’ Alison MacLeod, has put together a great resource of volunteer opportunities for you to engage with this Holiday Season. Peruse our list and find a way to get involved that is meaningful to you.

Here are a few key resources to help you find how you’re going to give back:

Volunteer Center of Sacramento
Hands On Sacramento
United Way California Capital Region
City of Sacramento Volunteer Program
Sacramento County Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers of America

Volunteer on Thanksgiving Day!

Agency: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Date: 11/25/2010, 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Address: 6000 J Street, Sacramento CA 95819

Start a new Thanksgiving Day tradition – volunteer! Volunteers are needed on Thanksgiving Day at the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry. This event is the largest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), a non-profit organization assisting those in need with emergency distribution and education services at no cost to Sacramento residents. Volunteers ages 18 and up are needed for water stations, course monitoring, clean-up, parking and more. Go to www.sacramentofoodbank.org, click “Calendar” and view Nov. 25 to sign up!

Requirements: 18 and up, available 7am-11:30am on Thanksgiving, ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Web site: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Wrapping Party!

Agency: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Date: 12/20/2010, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Address: 3333 Third Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817

Help bring joy to families in need this holiday season by sorting and wrapping donated toys. Are you a novice wrapper? No problem! There will be plenty of experienced wrappers on hand to help you. Wrapping materials, snacks and basic wrapping guides will be provided. You’re also welcome to bring snacks and wrapping materials to share. Invite your friends, family and co-workers, or come alone and make some new friends!

To sign up, please view December 12 or December 20 on the volunteer calendar on www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Requirements: Minimum age to volunteer is 10. Those ages 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Web site: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Salvation Army Toy Drives

What is The Salvation Army toy drive?

The Salvation Army’s annual toy drive provides holiday gifts for thousands of needy children age 12 and younger.

How can you participate?

At various locations throughout the Sacramento, a person can donate a new, unwrapped toy.

How are the toys given out?

Families go through an application process for Christmas assistance (food boxes and toys). Once the eligibility has been confirmed, the gifts are then distributed to families in mid to late December.

News10 Coats for Kids
Winter Coat Drive

Donate now through December 3rd.

We’re celebrating 20 years of collecting News10’s Coats for Kids!  We hope you’ll join us and donate new or gently used coats to our program.  Over the last 19 years, you’ve helped us collect and distribute more than 475,000 coats to children and families in need.  Our goal this year is 25,000 donations to make it to the ONE HALF MILLION mark!
We’d also like to welcome 2 new sponsors who have graciously joined News10’s Coats for Kids:  Rogers Jewelry Company and Century 21 M&M and Associates.  In addition to Swansons Cleaners, they will be collecting coats at all of their locations and we hope you visit them during the program and say thank you.   You can also donate at The UPS Store and find their locations below.
It’s easy to be a hero! Just clean out those closets and donate new or gently used coats to our program!  We do accept coats of all sizes. There are many ways you can help out from donating a coat, to taking donations yourself, holding an event where you collect coats, making a monetary donation, and volunteering your time.  Take a minute to check out all the great ways our community is helping us make sure we help keep families warm this winter. Sign up your school or business now and start collecting for News10′s Coats for Kids!

More information and where to donate here.

Rancho Cordova Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Sponsored by Rancho Cordova Parks & Recreation District
Sunday, November 28th
Village Green Park
3141 Bridgeway Drive, Rancho Cordova
4:30pm-7:30pm

Come to the annual lighting of the Rancho Cordova Christmas Tree. It’s a great family event! Girl Scout Brownie Troop 331 will be there to collect your coat donations.

Adopt-A-Family

http://www.volunteersac.org/programs.php

The Volunteer Center of Sacramento’s Adopt-A-Family Program provides food and gifts for local families in need during the holidays. Without this program, these low-income families may go without Christmas dinner and gifts for their children. Donations, sponsors, and volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this program.

In 2009, Adopt-A-Family assisted 166 families and 462 children during the holiday season. Your sponsorship can make one more family’s Christmas wish come true.

2010 Adopt-A-Family Guidelines “Providing Food & Gifts for Families”

Program Facts:

• Families on the Available Families List have passed a strict application process.
• Families range in size from small (1 parent/1 child) to large (2 parents/13 children).

• Approximate cost of adopting a family ranges from $50-100 per member.

• Sponsors provide a family gift, gifts for each child and a grocery store gift card for Christmas dinner.
• Families can be shared! Groups are encouraged to sponsor large families together.
• Sponsoring a family is a tax-deductible donation.

Gifts From The Heart (GFTH) Program

The Gifts From The Heart (GFTH) Program is an annual holiday gift-giving program designed to provide gifts to children, teens and senior adults, served by the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services, Divisions of Child Protective Services and Senior and Adult Services.

For the past 20+ years, thanks in great part to the generosity and caring of our Community Partners, the holidays have been brighter for the children, teens, and senior adults served in our system of care.

Each year, about 100 Community Partners donate gifts to over 4,000 children and youth, and over 600 seniors.  An estimated 13,000 gifts are distributed throughout Sacramento County.

The Department of Health and Human Services appreciates the continued participation and support given to The Gifts From The Heart Program by our wonderful Community Partners and volunteers.

How can I help?

You may sign up as a community partner to sponsor children, teens, and seniors for gifts during the holiday season. In addition, monetary donations are always welcome. Cash donations will be deposited into the “Gifts From the Heart” reserve account for the sole purpose of purchasing gifts. All gifts and monetary donations are tax deductible.  Please contact the Gifts From the Heart Coordinator at 875-2027 for additional donation and contribution information.

http://www.sacdhhs.com/article.asp?ContentID=1095