The Young Philanthropist Revolution

A night of elegance, fashion, and even more invigorating, it was a night of charity. Allison Whitney, founder of the non-profit organization B.I.A.N.C.A (Be Involved. Act Now. Cure Autism), partnered with FINE Magazine to bring to life one of the most powerful events that we as a team have ever had the privilege of being an essence of. Blessed individuals from all around the country came together to donate parts of their bank accounts and, most importantly, their time to make certain this event was every bit as special as it deserved to be. Autism is a complex disorder of brain development that varies in degree and is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, as well as verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors. The spectrum of Autism disorders affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. This disorder is one that we as a family have decided to fight head on with B.I.A.N.C.A and FINE Magazine with hopes of helping out all the families fighting it on their own. We want to spread this light to let those families know that you are never alone. 

The event was held at a beautiful estate in the Santé Fe hills of San Diego, Ca. With multiple food, drink, accessory, and apparel vendors on the scene it made for an effortless, worthwhile experience for all who were fortunate enough to attend. Those who were fortunate enough showed looking their best. As cameras relentlessly flashed, guests arrived in designer suits, dresses and enough exotic cars to keep any person’s attention. We conversed with many philanthropists, business owners, doctors, lawyers, as well as a number of other professionals who all had the same themed mindset of being there for a purpose. The words "vision" and "purpose" were recited over and over as we chatted with these gems of human beings throughout the night. The idea that we were all gathering together as one body of like-minded individuals supporting a realm of this world that was astronomically larger than any "one" of us was a thought that continues to give chills as I write this. As the event vibrantly carried on throughout the night, a silent auction took stage. An auction that ignited a competitive spirit within the function to outbid one another for the right to donate their money to this fight against Autism while receiving very prestigious gifts. Once the war for charity supremacy had subsided, the fashion show began as the sun set over the beautiful landscape with the designers and models capturing the moment in time magnificently.  It was a night of pure magic, as cliché as it sounds.

Being a group of kids who educate others to believe, magic is the one word that continues to come to mind as I think about the magnitude of the entire night. To be a part of an event like this is why our team does what we do. We live for the dream of holding our own charity parties and playing a part in B.I.A.N.C.A.’s and FINE magazine’s dreams are what keeps ours alive. "As a Young Philanthropist it will always and forever be our life endeavor to fulfill the needs of all people in every corner of our planet. We will make it a mission to gain the trust, loyalty, and respect of these people in order to positively impact all aspects of their lives; personally, spiritually, and financially. As we build this family we will create our own rhythm in this world that, in due time, the world will want to dance to..."

To every single person who made this experience possible, we thank you, truly. You are the motivation that keeps our spirits and hopes alive. Nothing in this life is possible without those who have the vision and the willingness to paint that dream in this reality. You are artists. You are visionaries. You are heroes. You have influenced not only our team, but all those you contact, in ways that you could not even comprehend. We want to send a special thanks to Allison Whitney, John and Heather Winfield, and Jack Wasserman for letting our team, The Young Philanthropists, become part of such an impactful group that is dedicating its time and resources to enhancing this world we live in. We look forward to a life-long relationship with you and your families. 

I would also love to send a very special thanks to my team for understanding our mission, our vision, and most critically, for lending your precious time to make this event come alive. I love you guys. 

 The Young Philanthropists: Austin Anderson, Emily Lesser, Jake Geer, Mike McNearney, Joe Gomez III, Brandi Albicker, Marshall Nicely, and Casey Albright.