A Selma non-profit is looking to give back to the youth of Selma by helping young professionals.

Selma Bridge Builders strives to help young professionals network and connect with businesses and organizations to raise funds for youth.

Selma native and founder of the organization Dr. Herman Turner Jr. said the city has done so much for him and others, and he thinks it’s time to give back.

“I know a lot of organizations have their own particular organizations and nonprofits they send their money to,” he said. “We’re looking at individuals and organizations that are kind of left out.”

On March 7, the same day as President Barack Obama’s visit to Selma, the organization held its first annual Selma Bridge Builders Soiree “Benefiting Selma’s Youth” at the St. James Hotel.

The event gathered nearly 200 people who donated funds to organizations in the city.

The City of Selma Government for Youth Projects collected $1,000 in donations from the event. The Selma Police Athletic League was given $750 and R.B. Hudson Middle School received $500 in funds.

More money was raised at the event, and the money will be designated toward other community projects. Turner said the organization continues to receive funds that will go toward service projects like back-to-school events.

The event also allowed attendees to network with others.

“We just wanted to connect and provide a networking environment for young professionals, especially those from Selma, during the Jubilee weekend,” Turner said.

The organization is local, but is also beneficial to Selma natives who’ve moved out of the area, he said.

“My whole mindset about the Selma Bridge Builders is to connect young professionals,” Turner said. “Selma has given us a great foundation to be able to do the things we’re doing today. It’s hard for a lot of people out of town to give back in certain ways.”