This year marks a major milestone for the Greater Reading Young Professionals (GRYP). For 10 years, young professionals in our community have been working to achieve GRYP’s mission to “attract, engage and retain young professionals in the Greater Reading region” through a variety of projects, initiatives and events.
The organization has grown dramatically, hosting multiple events each month, organizing an annual fundraising gala, and providing a wide variety of benefits and volunteer opportunities to its 400-plus paid members.
Each year, GRYP has more of an impact in the community. All this is done by volunteers. GRYP is led by a board of 20, with officers and chairs overseeing 10 committees – Community Advancement, Development, Events, Finance, G!G!, Legislative Impact, Membership, Marketing, Nominating and Sports League – engaging many dedicated committee members.
“Becoming a GRYP member has had an enormous impact on both my personal and professional development,” says GRYP Vice President Kristi Gage-Linderman, Gage Personnel. “My involvement at the Board and Executive level has allowed me to gain confidence in my leadership skills and has truly enabled me to give back and make a difference in Greater Reading.”
In March, GRYP again hosted G!G! (GRYP’s annual gala), which was an overwhelming success, raising the most dollars in sponsorships and overall fundraising in the six years the event has been held. “I am so proud of my committee and other GRYP members who came together to create this amazing event for the betterment of our community,” shares GRYP 2013 G!G! Chair Sarah MacAusland, Berks County Community Foundation. In an effort to be more strategic, GRYP surveyed members and identified a Community Cause for 2013: Education/Workforce Readiness. Along with volunteer opportunities for members, including the United Way’s Ready. Set. Read! Initiative, proceeds from G!G! will support various projects and organizations tied to this cause.
“GRYP provides access to a network of individuals that can introduce you to new experiences within Greater Reading,” shares Carolyn Weidenhammer, Angiotech, who serves as GRYP Membership Chair. “Sharing a fondness for our community with other young professionals that want to make it a better place to work and to play is a great benefit.”
“GRYP cultivates a professional environment at its events and within the community. To be surrounded by individuals who are goal-oriented and motivated is such a positive influence,” explains Nicole Mathis, Events Co-Chair, Carpenter. “Since I have joined GRYP, I have been presented with many fantastic opportunities to grow within the organization.”
“Nicole and I are constantly striving to welcome new members and to engage our current members in a variety of diverse events that are fun and make people want to come back,” says GRYP’s Co-Event Chair Allison Faulkner, Paul Fredrick.
Other perks include participating in a sports league; attending a masquerade ball or the annual Jingle, Jingle, Mix & Mingle holiday party and organizing a community event like Costumes on the Corridor.
“Having been born and raised in Reading, I am continually amazed by the new businesses and venues I am exposed to by attending our networking and social events. I learn something new at every event,” says GRYP Development Chair Wayne Gehris, Herbein/FOS. “Honestly, I think the biggest perk for me has been the opportunity to play kickball (GRYP Sports League) like I was back in the schoolyard at the age of 38!”
GRYP truly offers something for all interests and levels of commitment. An annual membership is just $45. Corporate partnerships are available to employers interested in memberships for their employees or in hosting an event or sports league team. For a list of upcoming events and to purchase a membership, visit greaterreadingyp.org.
