In face of the ongoing challenges the pandemic has presented to many local families, now, more than ever, the youth of King County need our support.
The social service agency Friends of Youth is using its annual fundraising event to step up to help!
“Celebration of Youth is our annual fundraising luncheon that brings together community, civic, and business leaders and donors to help youth facing homelessness and hardships,” explains Paul Lwali, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Recognized as a leader in developing, providing, and advocating for services for children, youth, and their families, Friends of Youth believes that all youth should have every opportunity to succeed. This year, the organization is forgoing a milestone party to instead focus on raising vital funds to deliver the following services:
- Homeless Youth Services: Offering essential services to homeless youth, young adults and young families, including street outreach, employment services and emergency overnight shelters.
- Residential Youth Services: Providing residential support for youth through a variety of mediums, including foster care and coaching for independent living skills.
- Youth and Family Services: Delivering mental health and substance abuse counselling, with home visiting programs for young parents and prevention services for youth and families.
Your support can help youth transition from a place of insecurity and instability to a place of confidence and strength, setting them up for success as young adults.
Join the Virtual Celebration of Youth
This year, as the organization marks its 70th anniversary March 26, the celebrations go virtual!
While theres much to look forward to during the afternoon of inspiration, the heart of the event is truly the stories of resilience and strength of our youth.
This year, the events Emcee will be Molly Shen from KOMOW 4 – so expect lots of fun!
By partnering with Off the Vine, a local favorite for scratch-made catering, you can order Experience Boxes with delicious lunch options and youth-created gifts, all delivered right to your doorstep for $50! You can also look forward to tasty treats by Pinckney Cookie Café .
In addition to mouth-watering meals, the event also boasts a packed, live-streamed program.
Prior to the program, take part in a virtual world filled with fun, interactive events. Make your way to the ballroom to enjoy music hosted by three special artists, including saxophonist Jeff Collins from The Dave Matthews Band, on hand to make some noise!
Enjoy an art exhibit showcasing the works of talented local youth and join a Q&A session with program staff – a great opportunity to learn more about all the hard work this committed team does.
You can even look forward to some generational leadership from one of the organization’s founding families – their son, grandson and great-grandson will make an appearance to share stories of individuals who have benefited from their program.
The event is truly a partnership between the community and the organizations that allow Friends of Youth to serve local youth. By attending and making a donation, not only are you helping provide life-sustaining resources to young people, but you’re becoming part of Friends of Youth’s 70-year legacy of serving the community.
Visit them online to RVSP and donate, or head to their website to learn more!
