Behind the scenes at MANNA, a group of driven young professionals is positively impacting the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. In 2023, MANNA’s Individual Giving and Development Operations Manager Brandon Boyd helped to re-launch The Young Friends of MANNA to engage a new generation of supporters and donors.

Recognizing that the Young Friends needed leadership and that many young professionals are eager to gain board experience, Brandon recruited ten enthusiastic young professionals to establish a Young Friends Advisory Board to oversee and grow the group. Since the Young Friends Advisory Board’s first meeting in January 2024, the group has helped MANNA raise nearly $20,000 and brought in 11 new Young Friends members.

The Young Friends Advisory Board is co-chaired by Jared Edelstein and Gary Wooten.

Edelstein, who was among the first committed members of the Young Friends Advisory Board, first learned about MANNA through a former colleague. Since then, Edelstein has immersed himself in the organization, dedicating his time and energy to developing new initiatives to get more young professionals involved with MANNA. He emphasized the important dual role of the Young Friends group – providing professional development for members along with hands-on involvement in MANNA’s mission, such as volunteering in the kitchen and attending events.

“I think it’s one thing to plan a fundraiser,” said Edelstein. “But to be in the kitchen where it all happens—it connects the dots for people, letting them see the impact of what they’re doing.”
In an effort to make volunteering even more approachable and fun for this audience, the Young Friends Advisory Board introduced monthly, dedicated, evening volunteer shifts for young professionals. These shifts provide a welcoming environment for newcomers and offer flexibility for those balancing nine-to-five schedules. In addition to helping prepare MANNA’s meals, these volunteers have opportunities to meet Young Friends Advisory Board members and like-minded individuals within the MANNA community.

Wooten first discovered MANNA through a civic engagement program at his workplace. He strongly believes in the importance of young people engaging with their communities and sees MANNA’s Young Friends Advisory Board as a way to fill a crucial gap.

“I think young people are increasingly disconnected from our communities,” said Wooten. “There aren’t many spaces post-college where you can engage with your age group. The Young Friends volunteer shifts provide that space. You meet great people and build friendships in a social and giving environment.”

The group’s impact, however, goes far beyond their bimonthly meetings and volunteer shifts. One of MANNA’s most popular annual events, Guac Off, which raises funds to provide clients with medically tailored meals and generates awareness for MANNA’s services, was created by a previous iteration of the Young Friends of MANNA in 2013. This idea initially started as a small Young Friends event but has since grown to become one of MANNA’s core fundraisers, attracting more than 350 guests and raising more than $40,000 in 2024.

The Young Friends Advisory Board has also introduced creative programming, such as cooking classes. “We’ve done one so far, where we made gnocchi in vodka sauce. It was a pilot class, and it went really well. We’re excited to continue offering this program,” said Wooten. The class brought 30 guests into MANNA’s kitchen for a fun-filled evening that raised more than $1,500 for MANNA’s mission.

Beyond the programming itself, Wooten has found personal meaning in witnessing the inner workings of MANNA. “It’s amazing to see the heart and dedication of the staff. Witnessing their passion inspires me even more to support MANNA’s mission.”

Through initiatives like these, the Young Friends of MANNA is fostering a vibrant and engaged community of young professionals who are eager to make a difference by supporting MANNA’s life-changing work.

For more information on how to join the Young Friends of MANNA or information on the Young Friends Advisory Board, visit this link or email Brandon Boyd at bboyd@mannapa.org