BY LATOYA BURGESS
lburgess@MiamiHerald.com
A new organization is recruiting young people interested in social and business networking in Homestead.
The founders of Homestead Young Professionals, Dimitry and Elaine Sandler, have found a way to help Homestead's young professionals get involved in philanthropy, education and networking.
Homestead maintains a unique ``small-town'' atmosphere, but the city has grown quickly in recent years, Elaine Sandler said.
The city's population is now about 50,000, up almost 50 percent from 2000, according to the latest Census estimates. The increase includes 6,700 new residents between the ages of 20 and 44.
``We started HYP because we found that many of the current organizations in Homestead were comprised of the same group of people: older and with few new opportunities to get involved,'' Elaine Sandler said. ``We wanted to bring a fresh outlook and get the opinions and involvement of the new, younger population.''
HYP targets men and women between the ages 21-45. Members 30 and above pay an annual donation of $100; members 29 and younger pay $50. So far, the group has 25 members.
Sandler says the fees paid by group members are saved for operating costs such as mailing, photocopies and printing.
The husband and wife's latest projects included a three-week collection for Haiti. Locals and group volunteers filled a semi-tractor trailer with non-perishable food, medical supplies and clothing, They also participated in Walk Now For Autism, a fundraiser on Key Biscayne where the group raised nearly $1,000.
Every month, HYP members meet at a bars or restaurants to discuss an ``action-plan'' on how to implement the goals of the group.
``We plan to rotate on a monthly basis to local businesses,'' she said. ``This will not only provide a variety for meeting places for us, but it will highlight the local businesses and encourage business for them.''
The Sandlers are still working out the kinks as they try to gain resources and maintain the new organization's website.
HYP's website is completely functional but has yet to include a blog feature, mission statement and goals as they await approval from the executive board/steering committee, Elaine Sandler said.
So far, contributors include Iron Tree Trucking, which donated the semi-tractor trailer for HYP's Haiti Relief efforts, and assistance from Homestead Mayor Steve Bateman, who serves as the team's advisor.
``As the group develops, we hope that resources will come from the membership and their contacts. Many of our members have special talents and business affiliations that will complement our organization,'' Elaine said.
A group member and friend of the Sandlers, Margaret Boyett, says people outside South Miami-Dade are not aware of how prominent Homestead is becoming. ``I don't think people realize how big it really is,'' said the 42-year-old paralegal. ``We now have BB&T (Branch Banking and Trust) and we have a lot going on with FPL. Large entities like these bring employment and bring in the younger generation.''
Homestead is the second-oldest city in Miami-Dade County as it was first established in 1898, but it wasn't until 1904 when the city literally became fruitful with the help of tycoon Henry Flagler. The developer extended the railroad from Key West to Miami, enabling farmers to transport fruits and vegetables throughout South Florida. By 1913, the city of Homestead was incorporated.
650 NE 22nd Terrace, Homestead, FL 33033
Homestead Young Professionals on Facebook
2 comments:
Putting this story on here really gives away your identity, Margaret. You really should be careful about your accusations, some are unfounded and unconsionable...there is such thing as libel you know and blogs can be pierced.
Ha Ha Ha whatever! you should be telling that to the "other" blog. They are the one's fudging with the truth. Libel hu? that sounds good to me, I can't wait for HIH to get the ax for all the lies. My name isn't Margaret, but nice try :-)
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