Yelp “Helps” Ohio! – First Stop: Columbus

Volunteerism and good will filled the gorgeous Westin Columbus last week as more than 300 yelpers gathered to kick off Yelp Helps Ohio!

This second annual Yelp Helps party centered around philanthropy and brought together 30 varied local non-profits to ensure every yelper left with a great connection! Everything from basic needs charities to children and special interest organizations were in representation.

Attending yelpers enjoyed a full evening of networking, connecting and goodwill while mixing n mingling with like-minded peeps. In true Yelp fashion, complimentary light bites were provided by The Westin and Whole Foods while food trucks/carts Mikey's Late Night Slice, Short North Bagel Deli and Pitabilities offered $1 off orders with code "Yelp Helps." All that meetin' and greetin' was bound to leave guests parched. Luckily, generous beverage sponsors Buckeye Vodka, Camelot Cellars, Luna Komboucha, Honest Tea, OxyWater and Hill Distributing Co. – toting Guinness, Smithwick's and Harp – kept yelpers' glasses at least half full. 

Playing feel-good tunes and acting as the night's MC, Chris from Premier Entertainment did more than entertain, and Keith from PSAV Presentation Services helped with A/V support. A special shout out goes to our friends at CD101 for their promotional support!

The Yelparazzi was in full force, so be sure to catch a glimpse of the evening's happenings on Flickr HERE thanks to David from We Are Glitterati. And if you popped in the photobooth, all photos can be found HERE! Please give the current reviews a read – and write one of your own if you attended.

The impact this event has on the community extends beyond just one night. Of course guests are encouraged to get more involved in the organizations they met at Yelp Helps, but in addition, Yelp Columbus is making the pledge to give back throughout the rest of the year with monthly VYEs (Volunteer Yelp Events.) Check out this Yelp Talk thread for dates/times and join us if you can!

Go forth and be giving, yelpers! Until some of the upcoming Volunteer Yelp Events – SYOY (See You on Yelp!)

Christina C

Yelp Columbus

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Participating non-profits:

• – Art of Living Foundation
• – Asian American Community Service 
• – Big Brothers, Big Sisters 
• – Big Green Head 
• – Cancer Support Community 
• – Celestial Mission 
• – Center for Healthy Families 
• – Colony Cats (and Dogs!)
• - Columbus Gives Back 
• – Columbus Landmarks
• – Columbus Library 
• – Community Shares 
• – Consider Biking 
• – Franklin County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) 
• – Friends of Goodale Park
• – Friends of the Shelter 
• – Girls on the Run 
• – Green Columbus 
• – Habitat for Humanity
• – Hands On 
• – Komen Young Professionals 
• – Krewe de Taaka
• – LifeCare Alliance
• – Local Matters 
• – Mid-Ohio Foodbank 
• – Nationwide Children's Hospital 
• – SNAP! Performance Productions 
• – Yay! Bikes
• – YMCA