Young Entrepreneurs Social is launching YESLeaders.org, a web platform encouraging young leaders to connect, share resources, and volunteer in their communities.

The YES Experience Auction Fundraiser will provide guests with a look at the new platform and a chance to network with local young entrepreneurs. The evening will include:

• A live bachelor and bachelorette auction
• Full access to the Bellevue Art Museum
• Red carpet video interviews
• Drink tickets
• A silent auction

The 7:30-10:30 p.m. event is open to ages 21 and up and cocktail attire is recommended. Tickets are limited with proceeds going toward YESLeaders.org. (Tickets to the event are $45)

Eastside mothers are invited to attend the second annual MamaCon on Saturday, May 18, at the Bellevue Hilton in downtown Bellevue.

MamaCon aims to inspire and rejuvenate mothers by offering parenting education, self-care tips, and relationship support.

The conference includes guest speakers, an exhibitor marketplace, and mini-workshops on topics relevant to motherhood. Event attendees can also enjoy pedicures, massages, and entertainment.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and pre-registration is required.

This year’s MamaCon benefits PantryPacks, a non-profit that gives food to children in need, and Birthday Dreams, a non-profit that provides birthday parties for kids living in homeless shelters and transitional housing.

The public is invited to peruse maps and displays for more than 70 projects and initiatives as well as talk with city officials and project managers during the 4-7 p.m. event.

Downtown projects include plans for Inspiration Playground at Downtown Park, the Downtown Livability Initiative, and a Downtown Transportation Plan update.

Parking is available at City Hall and at the visitors’ lot on 110^th Avenue NE. More information on the Spring Forward Expo is available online.

The guided tours are part of the Downtown Livability Initiative. The city is seeking public input for updating the Land Use Code for downtown Bellevue.

The tours run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. both days and include a stop for coffee. Tours begin at the outside entrance of City Hall plaza, located at 450 110^th Ave. NE, and walkers may choose between a north or south route.

To sign-up for a tour, RSVP to Julie Ellenhorn at (425)452-5372 or jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov.

The Main Street Gateway project, scheduled for completion in May 2016, will also include 23,475 square feet of retail space and 625 underground parking stalls.

The 1.9-acre block currently houses six commercial buildings, which are occupied by Cupcake Royale, The Spot Off Main, a barbershop, and other businesses. The buildings will be demolished to make way for the new complex.

Readers, what are your thoughts on this new development? Will you miss these businesses or will you be happy to make way for the new development?

Guest speakers include Kemper Freeman Jr., principal owner of Kemper Development Company, which built and operates The Bellevue Collection, and Dr. Sol Rabin, a founding partner of Crystal Asset Management, Inc., in Los Angeles. Freeman and Rabin have both been fundamental players in making downtown Bellevue what it is today.

The lunch, presented by Columbia Bank, will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, located at 900 Bellevue Way NE.

Admission costs $35 for chamber members and $45 for prospective members. Reservations are required.

Guests will participate in solving a murder mystery during the 7-10 p.m. performance.

This all-inclusive show includes hors d’oeuvres, a three-course meal and a glass of wine or beer. The cost is $65 per person and seating is limited.

To make reservations, call 425-519-6490. Maggiano’s is located at 10455 NE 8^th St.

Wine aficionados can enjoy guided tours of at least three wineries and tasting rooms in Woodinville, and then return to Purple Café and Wine Bar for dinner.

The cost is $50 per person, which includes the tour and all tasting fees. Dinner is not included, however the corkage fee will be waived for the first bottle of wine purchased during the tour and served at dinner. Reservations are required.

SRM Development announced this week that construction will begin in late spring or early summer. The apartments will be situated above 32,000 square feet of commercial space at the southeast corner of Bellevue Way and Main Street.

Frontier Renewal recently sold the property to SRM and stated in a press release that the companies created a cleanup program for the site, which had suffered soil and groundwater contamination from previous businesses.

This year construction is expected to begin on at least four apartment projects in downtown Bellevue. Readers, what are your thoughts on the additional housing?

Headliners include:

• Carlos Cascante y su Tumbao at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at Bake’s Place. Admission is $15.
• Kendrick Scott Oracle plus Evan Flory-Barnes’; On Loving The Muse, and Family at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center. Tickets cost $24 for general admission and $12 for students.
• Cyrus Chestnut Trio with special guest Stefon Harris at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center. Tickets cost $30 for general admission and $15 for students.

The May 29-June 2 festival features more than 40 performances by top national and regional jazz musicians throughout downtown Bellevue. Tickets go on sale in April.