By DENISE MOE
For the Reporter
Synergize, the startup professional group focused on building relationships for community impact, banded together at their latest 4:30 Meetup event to raise money for the Indianapolis Zoo.
“The Zoo practices good stewardship of the Earth and its animals, which is something we should all be doing,” said Heather Hunter, Synergize’s marketing and communications coordinator. “People know that the Zoo houses animals and cares for endangered species, but our Zoo in particular also works closely with worldwide conservation efforts.”
The Indianapolis Zoo’s mission is to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. In 2021 alone, the Zoo has supported over a dozen conservation agencies, including Macaw Recovery Network, International Elephant Foundation, Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
In addition to financially contributing to conservation, the Zoo prioritizes sustainability in their construction and operations. They also award the coveted “Indianapolis Prize,” the world’s leading animal conservation award. Ed Sandifer, Planned and Major Gifts Officer, spoke at the event about the Zoo’s work and the ways we can support.
Other speakers included Arron Stanton, founder of Synergize, and David Inman, Chief Revenue Officer at Kennected. They announced Kennected’s new presenting partnership with Synergize. The two impact-minded companies are already working closely to boost each of their contributions to Indianapolis and the surrounding communities.
“We’re extremely excited about Kennected’s support,” Hunter said. “Devin [Johnson, CEO of Kennected] and his team are an amazing group who have figured out how to build genuine relationships through automation – no small feat! They definitely have the Synergize spirit.”
The event raised nearly $3,000 for the Indianapolis Zoo, bringing Synergize’s total 2021 impact to $85,319. The group’s goal for the year was originally $60,000, which they achieved in June. Coupled with last year’s impact, Synergize has raised over $115,000 for local causes since its inception in late 2019.
This event was sponsored by Synergize member Greg Looney and his company, Inherent Commercial. Inherent Co. will also be sponsoring November’s 4:30 Meetup, which will benefit Cocktails and Chemo. For more information about the movement, or to grab a ticket to the next Synergize 4:30 Meetup, visit synergizeindy.com.