Since the group's inception, it has given back to the community through volunteer efforts of its members through participation in the Community Harvest Project, the American Heart Association, the Corridor Nine Chamber's Annual Food Drive, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest Toy Drive and Toys for Tots.
This year's co-chairs Michelle Barnett, marketing services manager of PENTA Communications, Inc. and Lynn Stromberg, owner of Lettuce Be Local LLC, along with Corridor Nine's events and services coordinator, Lauren Hazirjian, have taken the lead in organizing numerous community service projects designed to help young professionals network as well as become a more active part of the community.
In June of this year, a group of 19 HYPE9 volunteers helped to plant approximately 600 plants of sweet potatoes at the Community Harvest Project (CHP), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that grows fruits and vegetables for hunger relief.
In late August, 12 HYPE9 members volunteered to help harvest over 1,200 pounds of vegetables.
“HYPE9 has been a wonderful partner,” said Community Harvest Project Executive Director Kristin Bafaro. “We'se so thankful for their volunteer support over the years. They'se helped to grow thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables that have all been donated to hunger relief efforts in Worcester County. We couldn's do it without them”
Other recent events have included a Brew Before 9, (free informal networking opportunity/coffee hour held every other month from 8 to 9 a.m.) at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough, where HYPE9 members donated school supplies that will be donated to area schools.
HYPE9's next Brew Before 9 event will be held Friday, Sept. 28, from 8 to 9 a.m. at Tatnuck Bookseller. HYPE9 members have been asked to donate supplies to support the Greyhound Rescue. A wish list of suggested items is available on the HYPE9 page of the Corridor Nine website.
Additional upcoming events include a Brew Before 9 in November, where members will be asked to bring a toy to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest Toy Drive, and a Brew Before 9 in January 2013, where members will be asked to bring a bag of groceries to benefit the Greater Worcester County Food Bank.
“We are delighted that our group is able to make a positive impact within our community and hope that more people come out and be part of HYPE9. Not only is this a terrific way to network, it's also a great way to get to know your community and be an active part of it,” Barnett said.
For more information on HYPE9, visit www.corridornine.org, or call 508-836-4444.
