By DENISE MOE
For the Reporter
Synergize has been making waves through Central Indiana since its first 4:30 Meetup, and the organization’s latest impact was no exception.
On Tuesday, March 24, members of Synergize rallied in Carmel to raise money for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana (OKI). The group’s members contributed $2,100 to the cause before a boost from Modern Woodman, who committed to matching the impact up to $1,500. The grand total from the evening, $3,600, will help grant the wish of a critically ill child in Indiana.
Amy Nelson, Indiana Director of Advancement, spoke at the event on behalf of Make-A-Wish. “These kids are dealing with things we can never really imagine,” she told the group. “We learn about what their hopes and dreams are, and we’re able to make that [dream] happen – but that cannot happen without people like you.”
Synergize supports a new nonprofit cause at each of its monthly 4:30 Meetups. Although members loosely define themselves as a professional community, they are quick to clarify that they’re not interested in swapping business cards. Instead, they focus on building deep friendships that lead to world-changing impact.
Through Synergize’s Ripple of Impact initiative, the group is redefining ROI to better fit their values.
“If you come into a professional partnership thinking about what you can take from it, you minimize what the two of you could do, together,” explained Arron Stanton, founder of Synergize. “With the ROI initiative, we’re getting people to focus outward – on the ripples – and not the return.”
That mindset is what pulls Synergize together around nonprofits like Make-A-Wish. The life-changing experiences the organization creates for Wish Kids, says Nelson, have the ability to shape the trajectory of their healing. “For Make-A-Wish to come into their life at a special point, and create hope, strength, and joy, has been absolutely immeasurable for these kids,” she said.
Although this month’s 4:30 Meetup has passed, Make-A-Wish is still in need. Because of travel restrictions, the group has seen a rise in home-based wishes, like pools, room redos, and playsets. Volunteers for construction and Wish Parades are in high demand.
“We need involvement in the wishes that are happening in our community,” Nelson explained at the 4:30 Meetup. “We’re delivering our mission differently now, and we need your help.”
To get involved, email Amy Nelson at anelson@oki.wish.org.
About Synergize
Synergize is a family of business and community leaders united by a commitment to reject transactional relationships. Their members, who value real connection and community impact, live by the motto, “Relationships Over Everything.” Their only rule? No Jerks! Join the Synergize movement at synergizeindy.com.