New York Needs You. No, really. It’s not just a playful catchphrase. New York Needs You is a nonprofit organization that works alongside students who are the first in their families to go to college. By pairing these teens with other young professionals as mentors, they get a sense of what to expect in their still formative years and encouragement to continue moving forward. The organization also offers job shadowing opportunities, clothing drives, as well as guest speaker seminars and development grants. Aside from reaching out to the organization directly here, there’s another way that you can get involved to insure the work that NYNY is doing can continue in perpetuity. And it just so happens that you can sample some excellent food at the same time.

On Wednesday night August 22nd, New York Needs You is teaming with the folks at ‘wichcraft and Riverpark to host a fundraiser entitled BBQ and You, a three hour celebration of food, wine, beer, and live music all to benefit NYNY’s Fellows Program. The evening kicks off at 7pm with unlimited ‘cue tastings, tasty suds from Peak Organic Brewing Company, and wines courtesy of One Hope Wine. And with a low early bird price of just $75 (which expires tonight!), it’s reasonable for any budget.

It’s been estimated that these first generation college students, as they’re called, drop out of school roughly five times more frequently than their peers with just 11% of them actually graduating. With an erratic and uncertain job market, the emphasis on collegiate graduates will only continue to become more competitive as each year passes. Consider the fact that for one night out, and one where you’re eating and drinking some of New York City’s finest fare, you can play some small role in helping a collegiate candidate make it to the working world.

For more information on New York Needs You, check out newyorkneedsyou.org and pick up early bird tickets now!

- Jane Van Arsdale