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"After going to a Young Professionals of Iowa Conference in October of 2007, Jon Fuhs and I decided that we wanted to create a group that focused on community involvement," said Todd Lovelace, president of WC HYPE.

On Nov. 1, 2007, he and a group of young people from Webster City started just that. HYPE stands for Helping Young People Engage. As said on their Web site, it is a networking group of dedicated and talented young people, ranging from ages 21 to 45 who either live or work in Webster City.

"I wanted to start a group where young people would feel comfortable doing civic projects," Lovelace said. Right now, the organization has over 80 members.

"We are really trying to ramp up for this coming winter," he said. "Right now we are starting a painted trashcan fundraiser. The trashcans we are selling are painted with Iowa collegiate sport teams names or the Webster City Lynx logo."

Another event that HYPE is looking forward to is the annual Webster City Chillympics held in February at Briggs Woods Golf Course. "The event features six events ranging from turkey bowling to toilet seat horseshoes. It's a fun spin on the Olympics," he said. "Afterwards, we take a polar plunge into a swimming pool."

The group has been active in helping the community with the Boone River Clean-Up and volunteering with the Raspberry Festival.

"A major expense for our group is the Kids Bash at Boone Bash. We rent the blow-up inflatables that the kids play on," Lovelace said.

HYPE will be meeting on Friday for an 'After 5' event at the Seneca Street Saloon to kick off their winter schedule.

"Events are open to the general public, even if you don't fit the guidelines. Anyone is welcome to come to our meetings," Lovelace said. "Our annual meeting will be coming up in the first part of January. All members and potential members are welcome to come and find out what HYPE is all about."

For more information, visit their Web site www.wchype.com, or contact Lovelace at 835-2426.