'They come in tense, but leave with wings'

They have been doing it for years with the same conviction. Paul Ypinga (director) and Maaike de Jonge (intermediary) of Samen voor onze Regio are closely involved in the organization of the Brainport voor Elkaar dinner. 'Because it works', says Paul. 'Because it creates a real connection between two worlds that would otherwise not meet so quickly.'

Maaike has now been involved in half of all dinners. 'It started as the Maatschappelijk 040-dinner and grew into Brainport voor Elkaar. We organize it together with partners such as NXP, DLL, Philips and the municipality of Eindhoven. Each dinner brings companies and social organizations to the table, literally and figuratively.'

Clear request for help

'The social organisations that participate all have a specific request for help', Maaike explains. 'We help them formulate that request in advance, because during such a dinner you suddenly find yourself sitting opposite CEOs of large companies. You want your request for help to be clear.' Furthermore, organisations are given 90 seconds to present themselves. Maaike: 'The other companies do not arrive unprepared. They already know in advance where the questions are, they are sent them. This creates targeted conversations and valuable matches. Social organisations often come in tense, but almost always leave with wings.'

Killing seven birds with one stone

The number of matches is sometimes higher than expected. 'During the previous edition, seven social organisations had a similar communication piece. A communication agency recognised the common thread and decided to give them a workshop. One match, seven organisations helped. That is the power of the dinner.' According to Paul, that is exactly why Samen voor onze Regio has been involved for 12.5 years. 'It fits in with our mission to connect worlds. If there is more mutual understanding, you can strengthen each other. We help to create and maintain that match.'

Happie040

The match is just the beginning. 'We also offer aftercare', says Maaike. 'We remind organisations to contact their match. That way it is not a one-off, but sustainable.' The successful format itself remains largely in place, although the reach is slowly expanding. After years in Eindhoven, the dinner is now also in Veldhoven and soon in Helmond. 'The anniversary edition is held at Happie040 in Eindhoven, it is their unofficial opening. Our ambition is to organise once a year in Eindhoven and once somewhere else in the region. Because we notice: the need is not only here.'