BISMARCK, N.D. – The Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network (YPN) held their annual Chili N Bowl event at Mandan’s Midway Lanes over the weekend, bringing together entrepreneurs between the ages of 21 and 40 for a day of chili tasting, bowling, and community support. The event, which has become a staple for the YPN, serves as a fundraiser, with the profits split between the organization and a chosen local nonprofit. This year, the YPN supported the 31:8 project, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking in North Dakota. The Chili N Bowl not only showcases the creative spirit of the YPN members but also fosters connections and friendships among like-minded individuals.
The Chili N Bowl, a combination of a chili competition and a bowling tournament, drew teams of bowlers, each including at least one YPN member, who brought their own homemade chilis for a taste test competition. The event also featured a silent auction and a costume contest, where teams got to showcase their creativity through group outfits with themes like Marvel Superheroes and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The teams usually get very creative in both their names and costumes, said Stephanie Hauge, a member of the YPN. We always try to find an unbiased party to do the judging for us.
Alyssa Kroshus, YPN Events Specialist, emphasized the importance of the event in creating connections among young professionals. This event is a really fun way for us to all get to know and spend time with each other, said Kroshus. Between the chili and the costumes, it also allows us to be creative. It’s something unique we get to do in addition to all of the other professional development-type events that we have.
The YPN not only provides opportunities for entrepreneurial growth and development but also acts as a platform for individuals to meet like-minded peers in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Many members, including Hauge, credit the YPN for helping them expand their network and establish meaningful relationships.
I’m not originally from the area, Hauge noted, and my core group of friends in this area comes from YPN. The heart of the organization, really, is to connect those who may not know a lot of people to one another.
Through their programs and events, such as the Chili N Bowl, the YPN aims to support and uplift the local community while helping young professionals develop essential skills and flourish in their careers. To learn more about the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network or to contribute to their cause, visit their website.
The Chili N Bowl event exemplifies the YPN’s commitment to community impact and creating lasting connections among emerging entrepreneurs. As the organization continues to thrive, it remains a valuable resource for young professionals in the Bismarck-Mandan area, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive and engaging environment.
