Wade McMillin is NextGen Park County’s Summer 2020 Featured Member. He recently sat down with current Trustee Kayl Mitchell for a brief question-and-answer session.
1. Wade, you became President of NextGen a year and a half ago. What have you done since taking the position, and what new things are you planning on bringing to the group?
“Since the group chose me as President, we’ve made some serious strides. Probably the biggest thing that wasn’t event-based was our LLC certification and becoming a recognized nonprofit organization. I would like to thank Nick Crandall of the Bonner Law Firm and Tim Poley of SBW & Associates for aiding in the process. Other than that, I think it’s incredible the effort that has been put in for us to grow. Before I started, the core group consisted of around 13 members. Now I am proud to say we have a roster of 33—and with that strong base, we’ve really been able to hit our goal of participating in at least one charitable event every month.”
2. NextGen recently held a successful event with Bright Futures Mentoring called JAMuary. What all went into the planning of that event and what was raised?
“My, oh, my. JAMuary was a bear to host, but the end result was something I was extremely proud of. The most difficult part was fundraising of course because I don’t think many people like to ask others for money. However, this community was incredible in helping us fund JAMuary. The easiest part was probably getting the musical acts to commit. Cody has such a great music scene that has some hidden gems in it. We were able to showcase their talents and raised around $5,000, of which $3,000 went to Bright Futures Mentoring.”
3. There were quite a few people from the community that attended; are there plans to hold another JAMuary this coming year?
“This is a tough question to answer considering what’s going on us right now in terms of the pandemic and the social issues that are now being raised. Our intent is to do the event, of course. We just might be a little behind the ball—but I promise we will make the attempt.”
4. What other future events and services is NextGen considering to help with Park County and the people that live here? What are ways that other people in the community can join the organization?
“We plan to help with Habitat for Humanity, which we do every year. Further out, again, it’s tough due to the challenges our society and our community has faced (and I’m sure will continue to face). Honestly, we had charitable events booked out months in advance, and, unfortunately, they’ve all been canceled. The only other thing on the docket right now is the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bunk Bed Build Day at which we plan to volunteer in September. We will also likely do our part for the St. Jude’s Celebrity Dinner. I believe they are shooting for a rescheduled date in October. People can join our organization by getting in contact with any of our members, reaching out to us on Facebook, or by email. NextGen’s email address is info@nextgenparkcounty.org, and my personal email address is wademcmillin@gmail.com.”
5. As someone who grew up here in Park County enjoying all that this place has to offer, how do you think NextGen fits into the culture and way of life here in Park County? And in what ways do you believe it is working to sustain and even make this awesome place even better?
“First and foremost, I would be remiss if I didn’t speak to how much I love Park County in this interview. I feel so fortunate to have grown up here and even more so that I was able to return, find a good job, and now give back to the community that has treated me so well. I think NextGen fits so well here because there is nothing like it. We are a group of young professionals that literally has one goal—give back to the community. I think our efforts thus far have helped those individual organizations with their missions and gave our members pride. Just by our existence, we are making Park County awesome. Every time we meet, every time we volunteer, we grow just a little bit—and that benefits this community. Thank you, Kayl.”
The NextGen Park County membership is comprised of young adults of various professions, and the organization benefits from its membership’s diverse skill sets and strong work ethics.
