In a collaboration aimed at uplifting local communities, Philanthropy in Phocus and the YOLO Strong Foundation have joined forces to amplify their impact across Long Island.
Tommy DiMisa, the creator behind Philanthropy in Phocus, a weekly radio show highlighting philanthropic events on Long Island, and Danielle Taylor, founder of YOLO Strong, discussed their partnership and its profound implications for charitable endeavors during a recent discussion on the Philanthropy in Phocus show, which recently passed a milestone of 200 episodes.
Founded by Taylor 13 years ago, YOLO Strong Foundation has been a beacon of hope for families facing the challenges of childhood illness. The organization's mission expanded beyond fundraising events. like their notable "four by four" races, where participants run four miles every four hours for twenty-four hours, which includes a unique real estate initiative.
Taylor said that, driven by a passion to integrate philanthropy with business, she established the YOLO Home Team three years ago. This team of real estate professionals pledges a portion of their home sale proceeds to support YOLO Strong and its mission.
"For the last three years, we’ve been building the team, building the business, and building our brand," Taylor explained. "We don’t just want to give a band aid. We want to make an impact in people’s lives." Taylor added that she had “always wanted to get into the real estate world,” but also
made it a priority that any work she did would also continue YOLO Strong’s mission of giving back.
She reached out to YOLO Strong board members, friends, and supporters to build a team, which currently has seven members with another 11 either soon to join or currently in training.
The collaboration with Philanthropy in Phocus, a multimedia platform highlighting local non-profits, came about through a connection to one of DiMisa’s other projects, the Professionals & Animal Lovers Society, and the associated Professionals & Animal Lovers Show, both known as PALS for short. DiMisa runs both alongside Valerie Heffron, a long-time friend of Taylor, who was featured in one of their episodes.
From there, the two worked together to find further ways to collaborate, which, DiMisa noted, is the essence of what Philanthropy in Phocus is all about. "There’s a tremendous opportunity for business professionals to get involved in the community and be involved in nonprofit organizations," DiMisa said. "Philanthropy in Phocus is really a platform where I help a different nonprofit organization each week tell their story and amplify their message."
Taylor added that working with DiMisa has enabled her to grow awareness both for the foundation and the real estate team. She described going on the show as being “a saving grace for the foundation initially, and now it’s continued for our real estate team.”
"We’re strong businesswomen who will give back when given the opportunity to assist with the sale of a home," Taylor emphasized. "So being a part of all of this has been great. It’s gotten the word out."
Their recent collaboration at a PALS advocacy lunch event exemplified this synergy. Taylor sponsored the event, leveraging her real estate team's visibility to promote YOLO Strong's initiatives while fostering community engagement. Such initiatives are part of a broader strategy to build awareness and expand their philanthropic footprint.
Looking ahead, Taylor expressed optimism about YOLO Home Team’s growth, including plans to establish a dedicated office in Oyster Bay. This expansion aims to enhance their operational efficiency and further support local families in need.
"We’re doing the work that needs to be done to be viewed as a knowledgeable, successful group of women who also give back to the charity that they started," Taylor affirmed. "Our intention is to help families locally."
DiMisa echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative power of
collaborations like theirs in driving positive change. Through Philanthropy in
Phocus, he continues to advocate for local causes and encourages businesses to integrate philanthropy into their core missions.
The duo intends to continue to work together, including with fundraisers such as a tricycle race between DiMisa and Taylor. Attendees will be able to bet on who they think the winner will be, with the money raised going to a family in need.
According to them, this is just the beginning for their plans to continue to
collaborate and promote the needs of their community members. DiMisa also emphasized how by working across multiple platforms, such as Philanthropy and PALS, he can further connect non-profits on Long Island to each other, creating a stronger philanthropic ecosystem.
"I believe many businesses do get involved in nonprofit organizations," DiMisa concluded. "We’re at this point where businesses and nonprofits can connect and collaborate all the time."
For more information on how to support YOLO Strong Foundation or get involved with Philanthropy in Phocus, visit YoloStrong.com and PhilanthropyInPhocus.com.
