Each month, the Columbus Chamber spotlights a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of June, YPGluco is featured.
When and why was YPGluco started?
Mission Statement: To harness the enthusiasm of Columbus' young professionals through advocacy and fundraising in support of the Central Ohio Diabetes Association and with a shared goal of improving the lives of people afflicted by diabetes
YPGluco formed in late 2009 to support the Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA), a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served Central Ohio for over 45 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three Americans may develop diabetes by 2050. Yet, there seems to be low awareness of or attention to the disease. Many Americans don’t realize that diabetes can often be prevented through proper nutrition and by living an active lifestyle, and many diabetics currently suffer because they don’t realize their conditions can be significantly improved through coaching and counselling. CODA is instrumental to detecting diabetes and helping diabetics manage their condition regardless of ability to pay.
“When I joined YPGluco, I knew little to nothing about diabetes,” said Jon Yoon, President of YPGluco. “I know I’m not alone. The biggest opportunity I see is to educate people like my previous self and we can do so in a way that’s easily relatable to any young professional. Many of us care about living healthier lifestyles. CODA cares about that too, and they’re using that as a tool to fight diabetes.”
Why become a member?
YPGluco (YPG) is a group of young professionals in Columbus with a passion for working together to increase diabetes awareness in Central Ohio through educational programming and outreach, to raise funding through YPG-led events and to maximize the impact of outreach efforts to all Central Ohioans afflicted with diabetes, as well as to offer young professionals the opportunity to become involved in YPG-related initiatives.
Through YPG participation, members will develop an understanding of nonprofit organizational management, create a wide professional network, build strategic skill sets and achieve a greater appreciation for community and service.
What are some successes or cool facts about YPGluco?
Despite being a young board with a small but growing group of members, we have so far hosted several fundraising happy hours, led a Mall Walk, and managed to finish the CODA Business Swim twice (without any members drowning!). Overall, we have raised thousands of dollars for CODA.
Tell me about an upcoming event hosted by YPGluco.
We are hosting a charity kickball tournament on July 9 in the Arena District. In between games, you can join our all-day party at Cotter’s Restaurant where we’ll have drink specials, a live DJ, and great food on the patio.
How do I become a member?
Please contact Jon Yoon, YPGluco President, at jyoon1501@gmail.com to find out more details on how you can become involved.
Where can I go to learn more about YPGluco?
Visit our website, join us on Facebook, or contact Jon Yoon.
To learn about nearly 60 other local YP and professional organizations, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations.
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