Tahoe Regional Young Professionals (TRYP) raised $6,700 for Project 44 at the organizations fourth annual Winter White Holiday Party, which was a nearly 50 percent increase compared to the previous year. With the community’s support, TRYP will continue enhancing the development of our young professionals, raising funds for local charities, and contributing to Lake Tahoe’s economic growth.

TRYP organized and hosted a holiday ‘FUN’draiser on Nov. 22 that benefited Sierra Child & Family Service’s Project 44. The mission of this incredible non-profit is to recruit 44 beds for foster children in South Lake Tahoe, in order to prevent these kids from being forced to leave the community. Children need the support of their friends and families to have the highest potential to succeed, and their success strengthens our community. To learn more about Sierra Child & Family Services, and Project 44, visit http://www.project44.net.

The money raised by Tahoe Regional Young Professionals will go toward raising awareness in the community about the need for more foster homes, and recruiting more families to keep these children local.

“By offering their support, the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals are changing the course of these children’s lives for the better,” said Megan Ciampa of Sierra Child and Family Services. “They are stepping up and reaching out to help the most vulnerable of our community – our foster children.”

The fundraiser was held at Riva Grill, and included a raffle, silent auction, costume contest, live music, photo booth, and delicious food and drink. The night was a huge success, thanks to dozens of local sponsors and donors, and the hundreds of guests in attendance. Not only did the charitable contributions increase nearly 50 percent but for the first time tickets were sold out prior to the event. TRYP hopes to continue the trend at the Winter White Holiday Party in 2015.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of TRYP and what we’ve been able to accomplish at Winter White and throughout the year is astounding,” said Lyndsay Bryant, executive director of the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals for 2014. “We couldn’t have done with without our sponsors, donors, hard-working all-volunteers board and committee members. Thank you everyone for the continued support and we look forward to empowering more individuals in 2015.”

The mission of the Tahoe Regional Young Professionals is to connect and empower the young professionals throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin via networking events, professional development workshops, volunteering opportunities and civic engagement. Although only in its third year of existence, TRYP has surpassed 180 members, and continues to grow rapidly. TRYP began in South Shore, but this year it launched membership in North Shore with monthly mixers. Members are young-at-heart and range from early 20s to mid-60s. One of TRYP’s goals is to continue growing and improving its contribution to the Lake Tahoe community.

To stay up to date with developments, events, and opportunities, follow TRYP on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tahoeTRYP or visitwww.tahoetryp.org.