In This Issue:

You Too Make a Difference - 2007 YP Jam a Success!

Great Grants Super Service Awards

Young Hoosier Philanthropist - Keegan McCarthy

YP Ambassador Fall Orientation

“I learned that the personal benefits of youth philanthropy are great, and not in short supply.” -- Chad, Tipton County

"I especially enjoyed the fundraising session because Dianne (the presenter) was so helpful and informative." -- Youth participant, Benton County

"There are many benefits to volunteering and helping others." -- Jodi, Greene County

"The service project was the best because I got to help and play with the children at the Boys & Girls Club." -- Lauren, Marion County

Civic Engagement at the YP Jam
The three pillars of youth philanthropy are civic engagement, giving and serving, and leadership development.  To demonstrate the importance of the first pillar, the YP Jam always contains activities that challenge participants to think about and act upon issues that engage them as active citizens.   This year, participants reflected on and discussed issues that are important to them.  Their thoughts and comments will be sent to Governor Daniels as well as our elected state and federal legislators.  Their concerns will also be posted on our website to encourage further discussion on these topics across Indiana.  Watch the September issue of the E-Chronicle for their thoughts on a variety of issues.


Great Grants Super Service Awards
Each year, the YP Jam offers grant awards to participating groups for Great Grants/Super Service Activities.  This year, a $500 grant was awarded to Benton Central High School Community Activism Awareness Project (C.A.A.P.) for the outstanding work they are doing to make a positive difference in their community.   A $100 grant was also presented to the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis-West District for their Youth Leaders Club's work with children of special needs.  Listening to the creative work being done by these groups provided inspiration for others to get involved and make a difference.

The Benton Community Foundation partnered with Benton Central's C.A.A.P. to highlight the Benton County Relay for Life in June.  Their "Carnival for a Cure" (pictured at left) raised $908.75 for the American Cancer Society, with a team fundraising grand total of $3,176.

Young Hoosier Philanthropist - Keegan McCarthy
Keegan McCarthy may have been the youngest participant at the 2007 YP Jam, but he was also one of the mightiest.  A 2006 winner at the Power of Children Awards, Keegan told Jam attendees that one of his greatest achievements is being a cancer survivor.  Now a 7^th -grader at St. Jude’s School in Indianapolis, Keegan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia on January 17, 2006.  Through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Keegan, his friends and family raise money for childhood cancer research by securing pledges to shave their heads.  In the past two years, Keegan and his supporters have raised over $5,000 by going bald!  Keegan also walks in the Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day parade along with his classmates as “Keegan’s Clan.”  They raised over $35,000 in 2006 and have already collected more than $25,000 in 2007.  The team also participates in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night benefit to help fundraise for that organization.  Keegan's philanthropy and passion are obviously affecting many lives in Indiana!

YP Ambassador Fall Orientation
Recommendations are now being accepted for the Youth Philanthropy Ambassadors fall orientation.  The training will be held Friday, September 21 , 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana.  YP Ambassadors will be equipped with valuable tools that will enable them to serve their local communities by promoting the concept of philanthropy among children, youth and young adults.  Thanks to our generous sponsors, this high-quality event is available for a nominal fee of $20.00 per participant.  Attendees will receive nearly $1,000 worth of resources to use across Indiana.  

For more information, visit http://www.ypin.org/ambassadors.htm.