RECAP: The Sixth Annual I'm Still Here Networking Mixer & Holiday Shopping Night + Synergy A Charitable Networking Initiative

TRIO OF PHILADELPHIA PROFESSIONALS LINKS YOUNG CITIZENS AND LOCAL COMPANIES WITH WORTHY CHARITIES TO CREATE SYNERGY, A SERIES OF MONTHLY EVENTS FOCUSED ON PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Drexel University Professor, a National Political Campaign Advisor, and a Custom Clothier Invite Friends and Mix of Retailers for Holiday Marketplace to Raise Funds for Philabundance and Stop Hunger NOW

Founders of Synergy, a network of young Philadelphia professionals committed to raising awareness and funds for local nonprofits and humanitarian groups, announced today the group raised more than $3,000, for Philabundance and Stop Hunger NOW at their monthly fundraiser on Friday, November 12, 2010, at the Comcast Center in Philadelphia.

The sixth in a series of fundraising and networking events drew more than 150 local professionals for Why PR and Marketing sixth Annual I'm Still Here Networking Mixer and Holiday Shopping Night with Omega Optical, Eatible Delights, Mercedes Benz of Fort Washington,

Hawkeye Management, KidzRFit, and Prestige Concepts. Participating businesses also donated a portion of the night’s sales to the featured charities.

The Mixer's mission and goals were to highlight driven and dedicated business professionals and organizations throughout the Tri-State area. This included the opportunity for all the participants to be exposed to our attendees by providing them an outlet to express their talents, goals and

aspirations. This was done by providing venue awareness, product identity and economic growth in the Philadelphia Social/Professional Nightlife.

“We are excited about what we have been able to achieve together,” said BabaTaiye Renfrow, Synergy co-founder and partner at Distante, a custom clothier in Center City. “In eight short months, we have watched a small idea to recognize and raise funds for local nonprofits gather incredible momentum. Philadelphia’s young professionals are definitely engaged and concerned about the needs of the people in their beloved city. Their continued support of our efforts to spotlight worthy causes every month has been overwhelming.”

Randy Robinson, Synergy co-founder and political consultant/advisor to national campaigns, said: “It just goes to show you that each of us has the power to make a difference. Each month we look forward to sharing ideas and strategies that will strengthen or enhance program offerings thereby meeting more constituent needs.”

The founding trio includes Dr. Chuck Williams, Drexel University professor and frequently requested speaker/expert on youth culture. “Our fundamental purpose is to get the average person involved in local philanthropy and community service,” Williams said. “Synergy is an opportunity to do more than just trade business cards and ‘do lunch’ later. It’s about learning how to get involved in practical ways to help address the needs and issues in the African-American community and support programs that serve at-risk youth.”

Local business owners and executives gather at Comcast Center on November 12, for Synergy fundraising event to raise funds for Philabundance and Stop Hunger Now.

First row (L to R): Waheedah Alford (Why PR and Marketing) and Tiffanie Stanard (Prestige Concepts)

Second row (L to R): David Simms (Eatible Delights); Shelton Mercer (Stop Hunger Now); Camilla Aberra (Philabundance); and Synergy co-founder Dr. Chuck Williams

Third row (L to R): Tom Gazaway (Hawkeye Management); Michael Bing (Stop Hunger Now); Andrew Sullivan (Stop Hunger Now); and Synergy co-founders Baba Taiye Renfrow (Distante) and Randy Robinson (political consultant/national campaign advisor). Photo Courtesy: Bill Andrews

Synergy founders host sixth in a series of networking events to spotlight local charities and encourage young professionals to engage in philanthropy and humanitarian work. Organized with Omega Optical and Why PR and Marketing Pictured: Dr. Chuck Williams (left), Drexel University; Randy Robinson (left top), political consultant/national campaign advisor; Tracy Davis (center left), Omega Optical: Waheedah Alford (center right), Why PR and Marketing and BabaTaiye Renfrow (right top), partner, Distante. Photo courtesy: Bill Andrews

Stop Hunger Now advisory board member Shelton Mercer (2nd from right) launches Hats for Haiti Day online fundraising campaign powered by My Dunk Tank.

Left to right: Antoine Cruel (Morgan Stanley); Richelle Payne (Hurst & Leigh Communications Group); Shelton Mercer (Stop Hunger Now); and Blake Jenelle (My Dunk Tank). Photo courtesy: Bill Andrews

For requests for media interviews or speaking engagements with Synergy founders, contact BabaTaiye Renfrow at 484-679-6181 or Richelle Payne at Hurst & Leigh Communications Group at 267-536-9359 or richellepayne@consultant.com.