Everyone’s looking for a way to get ahead in their career. Sure, there are the basics—hard work, tenacity, clean shirts—but moving to the next level can be just as dependent on who you know as what you do. And there’s nothing wrong with that! Business is a series of relationships, and people want to work with people they know, like and trust. Shaking the dust of the town off your shoes by 5:01 p.m. isn’t going to make you many friends outside of your cubicle.

Here’s an opportunity for you: Buffalo Niagara 360, the young professional wing of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, will hold its Summer Bash For-A-Cause from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Ronald McDonald House (780 West Ferry St., Buffalo).

Summer Bash For-A-Cause is one in an ongoing series of monthly Buffalo Niagara 360 events that raise charitable funds for worthy Western New York organizations. Your $15 donation at the door ($10 in advance) goes to the Ronald McDonald House and includes the garden party event, live music, wine, Flying Bison beer and info about volunteer opportunities at the nationally-recognized domicile for parents of ailing children.

“We are always looking to support great causes, and Ronald McDonald House absolutely fits the bill,” Christina Lopez, manager of workforce development and Buffalo Niagara 360 program manager, was quoted as saying in a recent press release.  “Our goal is to match the area’s best and brightest emerging business leaders with outstanding community organizations like Ronald McDonald House.”

So there you have it—a chance to mingle with other top-notch professionals, have a few drinks and maybe even do some good in the world. And you’ll still be out in time to catch most of the free Fitz and the Tantrums show down at the waterfront.

For more info or to pre-register, check out Buffalo Niagara 360 online.