YPC February Fundraisers
AFIPO Young Patrons Circles host Spin Cycle Events this month in New York and Los Angeles
This month the AFIPO Young Patrons Circles in New York and Los Angeles will be raising heart rates as they raise funds to support the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s education programs.
The two Charity Ride Spin Classes, on February 11 in New York City and February 25 in Los Angeles, also provide a fun way for YPC members to introduce like-minded friends and associates to their energetic young professionals groups.
“Burning those extra holiday calories while supporting the orchestra and its programs is a great way to kick off the new year,” said Justin Pressman, Development Manager in Los Angeles.
Both event venues, the Flywheel studio on New York City’s Upper East Side and the Cyclebar location in Culver City, have room for 50 participants.
“It’s a unique and fun way for people to get to know other young professionals who care about the same things they do,” said Alyssa Greengrass, AFIPO Program, Development and Marketing Associate in New York.
Greengrass, who does spin cycle exercising a couple times a month, likes the option of “registering your bike so you can track your place in the class. Your bike’s place is projected on a big screen so you can see where you’re going and watch everyone else’s score, too. It becomes a race that really pushes you and keeps you motivated,” she said, emphasizing again that it’s purely optional.
A BI-COASTAL SPIN
Participants in both Los Angeles and New York can count on additional motivation from the musical selections. To keep the events “mission-driven and connected to what we do,” Pressman said, “the venues will play recorded music selections from the Israel Philharmonic.
“We’re creating a deeper understanding and engagement with the art form,” he added. “It’s a creative way to engage people with the orchestra, and we think a workout will attract a younger, diverse audience.”
The cycle venues are also kicking in for the cause. In New York, Flywheel is providing water, shoes, fresh fruit, and the trainer while in Los Angeles, Pressman secured an additional in-kind sponsorship to help the fundraising effort.
“Cyclebar Culver City is graciously providing spa water, shoes, and the trainer,” he said. “And SweetGreen, which is also in Culver City, will donate 50 salads for our riders.”
NO COASTING FOR YPC
Stationary bikes aside, the Young Patrons Circles in New York and Los Angeles, whose members are young professionals from 21 to 40, are definitely on the move and growing.
In New York, more than 200 young professionals attended the three events held since the East Coast YPC re-launched in September. These included the launch party, a Gala in October, and a pre-concert party before one of the IPO performances in November.
“The events were extremely successful with great turnout,” said Greengrass. “We’re now working on a full calendar of events for the winter and spring with the goal of keeping people engaged and excited about supporting the IPO.”
“We also have a great calendar for 2018,” Pressman said about the West Coast group. “We are hoping to have a cooking class with one of our YPC members, who’s a chef, a lecture meet-and-greet with film composer/conductor David Newman, and a visit to the Leonard Bernstein at 100 event coming to the Skirball Cultural Center.”
“It’s especially important when building a community in the young professional world to offer many different ways to participate,” concluded Greengrass. “In addition to concerts, galas, and the traditional fundraisers, offering them something like a spin class where you’re supporting an organization that you care about, bonding with other YPs who share your interest, and having fun is really important.”
COEXISTENCE THROUGH MUSIC
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