Take It Outside with Wilmington Young Professionals at Henry's

So here's a simple question: Do you like bacon-wrapped scallops? If you do AND you enjoy networking, I sure hope you made it to yesterday's Wilmington Young Professionals August meeting, this month held at Henry's restaurant in Wilmington. A few folks were inside the restaurant and bar, but most were outside on the sidewalk patio where there were several standing and sitting tables, two bars, and a great food station with appealing hot and cold appetizers (including the excellent scallops).

I'm not sure how large the crowd got (I had to leave at 6 for a prior commitment) but I'd heard ahead of time that more than 170 people confirmed via the Facebook event page and WYP founder and president Jackie Willse told me that actual attendance usually exceeds the number of confirmations.

As I walked across the parking lot the first people I saw were promoter and publicist Sarah Barbee and local photographer and riverfront gallery owner and impresario (look it up) Ray Baca.


Registration and welcome tables flanked Henry's entrance.
One of two outside bars where the best ingredient was a charming tender.
Erik Gray was another early arrival.
A closer look at Ray and Sarah - together they know pretty much everyone in the area. Genuine AND nice.
Star-News Breaking News and Social Media reporter Shannan Bown and Ray.
The woman in the very middle is actress Hayley Lovitt.
Hayley and Shannan.
Connie Heath a friend of Henry's owners, was encouraging attendees to buy this pink drink, part of the cost of each went to the Pink Ribbon Fund.
Nationwide's Erin Alderman listens to Connie while impish Shannan smiles.
Barbara Gray checks in.




Mary Morin and Bethann Carter of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty.


David Merrill, in shades. David's the guy behind the Wilmington area networking events calendar.

The woman on the right in black (with great red shoes) is Jackie Willse, WYP's Founder and President. My bad because this is the only photo I got of Jackie. But it was great event, Jackie, thanks.