BUZZ to rock downtown as scavenger teams race for charity » Posted Friday, September 23, 2005 view article Buzz puts fun in fundraising » Posted Wednesday, August 3, 2005 view article Buzz aims to serve village » Posted June 16, 2005 view article All media inquiries should be directed to Buzz A Philanthropic Organization of Dedicated Professionals P.O. Box 8141 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-8141 media@projectbuzz.org » Posted Wednesday, June 16, 2005 Buzz aims to serve village Group valuing philanthropy over networking, parties » Anitra Rowe / Staff Writer Giving back and having fun are the simple aims of Buzz, a new Arlington Heights philanthropic group of mostly young professionals. To fulfill its mission, the group, now with about 30 members, has banned stale meetings, expensive galas, and the methodic distribution of business cards. In fact, no "networking" is allowed at their meetings, which take place at Peggy Kinnane's in Arlington Town Square. The founding members of Buzz wanted to fill a void they perceived in the community service spectrum. Buzz leaders wanted to use their energy to help others, but didn't see an existing group where they'd fit. Susan Dawson, 33, an attorney who lives in Arlington Heights, started the group. Dawson, a member of several organizations, said she became accustomed to seeing her peers scattered across meeting rooms, disjointed, and wanted to link them with a worthwhile purpose. "People our age have so much energy," she said. Later, she added, "We can identify with each other." The idea was still just a concept when Dawson called Michael Mulder, 26, assistant vice president of Harris Bank Arlington-Meadows. Mulder, son of Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder, knows Dawson through charity events. Both felt a need for such a group in the northwest suburbs and decided to meet. Dawson became president; Mulder took the role of treasurer. Kristin Horbach, 31, a businesses owner from Rolling Meadows, became vice president, and Kevin Seifert, 26, who works in business development for Motorola, took the role of secretary. Seifert said he was active in service projects in his college fraternity, but after school, he dove into the working world. Seifert said Buzz gives him a chance to pick up where he left off and "be a person of action." The group chose the name "Buzz" because they thought it would encourage chatter about the charitable organizations that Buzz helps and the group itself. The "buzz" has started. The group has doubled its membership each month since it first met in February. Members either work, live or play in the northwest suburbs. "It fills different gaps for different people," Seifert said. "Everyone is just excited," Horbach said. "They want to get involved." Dawson is quick to note that there is no age cap on Buzz. She sees it as a group with a bright future and personally wants to be a part of it for decades to come. Buzz registered with the state as a not-for-profit organization in April. The primary focus of Buzz is helping people with career setbacks get back into the work force. Each year, Buzz will assist a different group that helps people find employment. In 2005, it will raise money for the career services division of WINGS, (Women In Need Growing Stronger), which is based in Palatine. Buzz will have a kickoff party from 7 to 10 p.m., June 23, at Gatsby's Pizza and Pub, 427 E. Rand Road. It will be a Golden Tee closest-to-the-pin party with a raffle, food and beer. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Their first official fund-raising event -- "Rat Race" -- will be Sept. 24, leading participants on a scavenger hunt through Arlington Town Square businesses. Buzz's next meeting is Aug. 9 at Peggy Kinnane's. Membership dues are $25 a year; all members must help plan or attend fund-raising events. Read what they say about Buzz and our involvement in the community.