Members of the United Way of Greater Topeka's Young Leaders Society gathered on Friday, Jan. 09 for an intimate lunch with Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson. The event, which was held at the Boy Scouts of America Topeka offices was a success. Twenty young, professionals arrived ready to network, listen and learn -- and of course, enjoy lunch which was catered by the YWCA of Topeka. 
Parkinson provided the group helpful information on shaping futures while revealing information on his past and how he has achieved success.
About the Young Leaders Society
The Young Leaders Society is a members group of young professionals who generously donate $500 or more (per individual or couple) to the United Way of Greater Topeka. The group meets approximately six time throughout the year with Lunch with Leaders events to develop leadership skills and network. The YLS group takes on other initiatives, including coordination and planning for the VAL Awards, philanthropic endeavors and various other activities which combining a splash of fun and camaraderie with community betterment. For information on joining YLS, visit the United Way online at http://www.unitedwaytopeka.org/ or on Facebook.
About Lt. Governor Parkinson:
A successful businessman and former legislator, Mark Parkinson is a native Kansan who grew up in Wichita and now resides in Olathe. Mark’s family has its roots in Scott City, where they still own a farm.
Governor Sebelius appointed Parkinson as co-chair of the Kansas Energy Council and chair of the Kansas Wind Working Group. In the summer of 2007, he launched Volunteer Kansas to assist in connecting volunteers to service organizations. Parkinson also serves on the Kansas Mentors Leadership Council, chaired by Coach Bill Snyder. Recently, Parkinson was appointed as Chair of the Governor’s Military Council. He continues to lead the BEST efforts, the Governor’s budget-savings initiative.
Mark and Stacy, his wife of more than 25 years, are active in community and charitable organizations, including co-chairing the successful Sunflower House Capital Campaign which raised $4.2 million to support the child abuse assistance agency. They also completed a $6.7 million Capital Campaign for SAFEHOME, one of the most comprehensive domestic violence agencies in Kansas. Both involvements led the United Community Services of Johnson County to name Mark and Stacy as 2006 Co-Citizens of the Year. They are parents to three children: Alex, Sam, and Kit. They belong to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.
