May 9, 2004

On any given night, it's common to see Hoboken's bars and sidewalks full of young professionals engaging in causal banter while spending hundreds of dollars on drinks and food. What an opportunity this was, thought Hoboken resident Scott Delea two years ago - a captive audience of young professionals happy to spend a healthy portion of their disposable income!

He saw that the ritual of social lubrication could be harnessed to help worthy local non-profit groups. "It's such a simple idea," said Delea, the general manager of an e-marketing services for firm in Boonton, N.J. "We work really hard, we play hard, and every weekend, there're lots of us who like to socialize." But there hasn't been a concerted effort to tap into this market when it comes to philanthropic giving.

With this goal in mind, Delea started Party With Purpose, a non-profit organization of young professionals that promotes events that combine lively parties with charitable causes. These parties aren't the typical stuffy, tedious and overly self-aggrandizing fundraisers, said Delea. They are hip and fun events at some of the area's trendiest and most happening night spots.

In just two years, PWP has doubled in size, established a board of directors, and is getting more and more skilled volunteers to help with the events. Since its inception, PWP has sponsored events for the Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Clubs and the Police Athletic League, and has raised over $30,000. "We're incredibly excited about the future and have some amazing wind at our backs," said Delea. He added that he is now looking to expand to other cities such as Boston and Washington D.C.

Their next event is scheduled for the Madison on 14th Street in Hoboken on Thursday, May 13, from 7:30 to 10:30 and will raise funds for the Hudson County chapter of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which is an independent, non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Organizers are expecting over 300 young professionals from Hoboken and New York City to attend the event at $60 a ticket. Included in this after-work happy hour are a top-shelf open bar, appetizers, a silent auction and a raffle. Sponsors of the event include Morgan Stanley and PNC Bank.

Delea said that PWP is trying to redefine how young professionals expand their expertise in their business lives with their social lives. "There has been a lot of criticism that young professionals aren't active enough," said Delea. "[These parties] are an opportunity to get them involved in their community without really asking them to change their lifestyles."

Delea added that now is the apt time to look to new sources for fund-raising options. Despite a recent economic upturn, giving to charity has fallen by 25 percent over the last decade, according to the national non-profit Charities Aid Foundation. If mobilized and targeted, the young professionals could generate a huge windfall for local charities, said Delea.

According to the latest census, 33 percent of the city's population falls into the 25-to-34 age group. In contrast, residents in this age bracket make up only 19.6 of New Jersey's population as a whole. In Manhattan, 21.5 percent are between 25 and 34 years of age. "Hoboken is a city that is evolving," said Delea. "More and more young professionals are starting to grow roots and are actively seeking out positive outlets in the community." He added that in addition to just giving money, these parties have been a springboard to volunteerism.

"While they are parties, it's about more than just drinking," said Delea. "They are very special evenings where we have signed up dozens of people who are interested in volunteering their time to local charities."

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hudson County is a non-profit organization that serves children who, for their own protection, have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Judges refer the most serious cases of child abuse and neglect to CASA so that one volunteer can spend time each week with one abused child, build a relationship and bridge the fear that comes with going through the court-dependency process, according to CASA officials.

The unique one-on-one relationship that forms between the volunteer and dependent child is often the only stable, positive relationship the child has. In a sea of social workers, attorneys, therapists and caregivers, it's the court appointed volunteer who is a consistent advocate for the child. "By raising money for this organization, PWP is able to provide the expansion of this chapter, which enables more volunteers to help more neglected children," explained Delea. He added that if they reach their goal of $15,000, it would cover the costs of supervising and training of 15 volunteers, who would be advocates for 15 abused and neglected children in Hudson County. Tickets for the event are $60 and may be purchased online at www.partywithpurpose.org via PayPal or credit card. All tickets purchased online will be available for pick-up the night of the event. Tickets may also be purchased at the Symposia Bookstore at 510 Washington St.