In a city with such a healthy young professionals scene, it was only a matter of time before Dallas-based Earth Day Texas formed its own YP group. Passionate philanthropist Laura Reeder was up to the task of recruiting.

In January, Reeder, who is also involved in Young Friends of Wilkinson Center and Cattle Baron's Ball, began reaching out to the most impressive individuals she knows to create the inaugural committee. The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show host Jenna Owens and Let's Go DFW host Dean Somes are on that list, along with recognizable young philanthropists Vodi Cook, Louisa Harwood, Laura Ailshire, and OJ DeSouza.

"Each member of this committee is an extremely impressive working professional and leader in the community," Reeder says.

To drum up excitement for Earth Day Texas and the new YP initiative, the group is hosting a kick-off party on April 14 at the Dallas Farmers Market where guests can peruse food vendors, enjoy live music and a raffle, snag a reusable swag bag, and learn about membership. An after-party follows that same night from 10 pm-2 am at Eastwood's Bar.

Basic membership only requires a donation of $50 or more toward Earth Day Texas, but to be part of the YP committee, you'll have to step up a little more. An active committee member or Earth Day Texas employee must recommend you, and once on the board, you'll volunteer at Earth Day Texas, attend meetings throughout the year, and raise $10,000. Yes, that's $10,000 for each member. This is a two-year commitment with an initial pledge of $150.

The hope is to grow to 500 or more members and raise more than $100,000. Money raised goes directly back to Earth Day Texas, allowing hundreds of nonprofits, schools, and researchers to show their work in front of an unprecedented stage of 75,000 people throughout the free three-day event happening April 22-24 at Fair Park.

"Earth Day Texas is all about bringing awareness and educating the world about new innovation and discoveries that can help future generations create positive change," Reeder says."Who better to do that than young professionals?"