By David N. Young
For an institution founded even before the City of Los Alamitos, the non-profit Youth Center has qualified for White House recognition after having logged more than one million service hours to the community they continue to serve.
According to Executive Director Lina Lumme, the Los Al Youth Center began “transforming children’s lives” back in 1952, while the city itself was not incorporated until 1960.
“This is an amazing milestone for us,” she said, and one that deserves a very special celebration.
Therefore, for the first time ever, the Youth Center is a having a ‘black-tie optional’ fundraising gala on March 16 at the Old Ranch Country Club, at which many of those in the community that have donated or volunteered over the years are expected to attend.
In many cases, said Lumme, service has become a generational thing as some of grandchildren of kids first served by the Youth Center are now involved with the program, providing service to others.
Very few organizations have this rare opportunity to celebrate one million service hours, she said, and the many families who have been assisted never seem to forget.
“We will make it a night of inspiration,” said Lumme, adding that she hopes his year’s campaign will raise more than $200,000 for the award-winning program.
In addition to the one million service hours, the Youth Center routinely is rated as one of the best nonprofit organizations in the USA. Lumme gives credit to the community, saying “it takes a village” to make this happen year after year.
President Donald Trump has issued special White House recognition for the Youth Center that will be shared with the community along with other stories of its glorious history, said Lumme.
“We want people to remember this night,” she said.
Lumme said this year’s fundraising campaign is already underway but hopes the new gala will give it extra impetus this year.
In addition to providing two popular summer camps, Camp Shark and Teen Camp, the Center provides music instruction to all elementary schools in the area. In many cases, Lumme said the Youth Center provides music scholarships to families in financial need.
Since the center is located very near the Joint Forces Training Base, Lumme said they often host, help and feed incoming military families. “We have a legacy of community service,” she said.
The Youth Center also sponsors an annual Youth Leadership Academy for 120 kids and operates a Christmas tree service every holiday season, among varied participation in community-oriented projects.
Lumme said Youth Center musicians will play at the opening of the gala, but there will be a professional band to provide live music later in the evening. “We have much entertainment and many surprises,” she said.
Gala tickets cost $125 and can be purchased by calling 562-493-4043 or visiting www.theyouthcenter.org.
Courtesy photos
Volunteers and Youth Center supporters smile on a ‘dated’ red carpet photo.