Future Emerging Leaders of Lake County (FUEL) Merge with Young Leaders of United Way of Lake County
Mentor, OH (September 18, 2018) - – The Young Leaders of United Way of Lake County (YL) announced that as of January 1, 2019, the Future Emerging Leaders of Lake County (FUEL) will merge with them.
FUEL is an affinity group of the Lake County Chambers that was established approximately ten years ago to engage young professionals in Lake County by creating networking opportunities and educational events. Members range in age from 21 – 40, similar to the age range found among YL’s.
The mission of the Young Leaders is to positively impact the lives of children in Lake County through improved health and education. They work toward this, in part, via the support of 501(c)(3) and nonprofit organizations in Lake County with grants that promote a similar mission geared toward youth.
In addition to providing educational opportunities for their members via their Speaker Series, YL’s members enjoy social networking and volunteerism. They also facilitate United Way of Lake County’s Youth United Way program, which teaches high school students leadership skills and educates them about community needs and volunteer opportunities.
Members of FUEL’s steering committee will be joining the YL’s cabinet to share in the operation of the Young Leaders.
“The young leaders and FUEL have been working collaboratively for almost two years now. We are excited to see the two groups evolve into one,” said Andrew Phelps, chair of Young Leaders of United Way of Lake County. “FUEL and Young Leaders are two of the best groups for young professionals in Lake County and it just made sense for us to combine our strengths, pull our resources, and work together as one.” “Moving forward, we’ll be adopting FUEL’s annual bocce ball tournament, their holiday mixer and the monthly social networking events they’re known for. We’ll be combining these with our annual golf outing fundraiser, grant awards program, speaker series, volunteer projects and our facilitation of the Youth United Way program,” he said. “The merge has brought new energy and ideas and we look forward to our future together.”
According to Anna Galipo, steering committee member of FUEL, "It is very exciting to merge the two groups. Each organization has a great deal to offer the other. Combining the philanthropy of Young Leaders and the business networking opportunities of FUEL is the best way to serve Lake County's young professionals. I look forward to seeing what this collaboration can do for the community."
All current FUEL members will receive a free membership to Young Leaders of United Way which will be valid now through December 31, 2018.
“I’m very pleased FUEL is joining our Young Leaders. The merger will not only better serve young professionals in Lake County, but it will better serve the community through the combined impact they will be able to make,” said Jennifer McCarty, President & CEO of United Way of Lake County.
If you are interested in learning more about the Young Leaders of United Way or becoming a member, click here to visit their website, email jmatsko@uwlc.org or call 440-639-1236.