Greater Gainesville Young Professionals officially launched on February 3 with a launch event at Celebration Pointe attracting over 150 attendees.

The group, funded by the Greater Gainesville Chamber, is an organization that provides young professionals aged 21-39 the opportunity to develop themselves professionally and personally, become involved with community service and venture on recreational trips to sites within Greater Gainesville.

The two-hour kickoff event began with a raffle and a few words from host Julianne Raymond as well as leadership chair Soly Schrack.

“It was a great representation of the young professionals within our community and the need for a group like this one” Raymond said. “This is a wonderful beginning, and we look forward to an exciting first year and many years to come.”

Cocktails, macarons and light refreshments were provided by local sponsors such as Le Macaron French Pastries and Hotel Indigo.

Attendees played cornhole and life-size Mario Kart provided by Infinity VR Games, were each granted two drink tickets for cocktails (including Sandvik’s “Sandini”) and participated in networking with other young professionals attending the event.

The next Young Professionals event will take place on Feb. 12 at the Morningside Nature Center and will be a volunteer opportunity to remove invasive plants from the local wildlife and surrounding areas.

For more information, visit the Greater Gainesville Chamber’s website at https://gainesvillechamber.com/gnv-young-professionals/ or reach out to program director Julianne Raymond at julianne@gainesvillechamber.com or Shaw Adcock at shaw@gainesvillechamber.com.