The Youth Center in Los Alamitos held their second fundraising week report dinner on March 5, and has raised $53,507 of their $100,000 goal during their 16th Annual Community Support Campaign, the “30 Day Marathon Challenge.” Some donors of $1,000 or more for their Presidential Round Table included Heather Cronan, Rosetti’s Catering and Alandale Insurance Agency, Inc.
“We’re at halfway through our race and we need to make sure we keep up our stamina,” said Campaign Chairman Sean Payne. “The finish line is in sight and we are grateful to all donations we’ve received so far and for our campaigners and volunteers.”
Local churches were invited to the dinner and the Youth Center wanted to let them know they can volunteer there all year long, said Payne. The Asian Night buffet was catered by Benley Vietnamese Kitchen complete with free food and drinks for all who attended thanks to Youth Center board member Heather Cronan.
“Doing for others is amazing, and it’s better to give to others than to do for yourself,” said Cronan.
“The campaign does two things,” according to Youth Center Past Executive Director, Tom Stretz. “It raises money but it also allows us to spread to the community the work that is accomplished, and only with public awareness and financial support does the Youth Center grow.”
“The Community Support Campaign was instituted in 1997, and since that time, has generated in excess of $1 million dollars, which has been reinvested back into the children,” said Stretz. “It takes the village of our community to sustain this non-profit organization.”
Solely funded through community donations, the Youth Center offers a free After School Program, Music Programs, scholarships for Summer Day and Teen Camps, Safe Rides Program and the “Every 15 Minutes” bi-annual event.
“I want to thank all 64 campaigners who agreed to join us on this month long adventure,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “Everyone has a busy life and to give so much time to kids means the world to all of us.”
“This is my first year campaigning, and I think what the Youth Center does is wonderful,” said Julie Rubin. “I found the community to be very supportive and generous.” “They truly appreciate what the Youth Center contributes to our community, and the Youth Center is very grateful.” Youngest campaigner, Ryan Parcells, 12, who has raised $200 so far, said it feels good to help other people, especially children.
A poker tournament will also be held at the Youth Center on March 16 at 5 p.m., for 45 players only. On the same day, there will be a garage sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Board member Karen Frankenberg’s home at 2971 Copa de Oro Drive in Rossmoor. The campaign’s third fundraising report week dinner was held last night. The final week report night will feature Italian food and will be held on March 19 at 7 p.m. The Youth Center is currently holding an online auction now at www.BiddingForGood.com/LAYC. If you are interested in volunteering or donating to the Youth Center, please call Executive Director Lina Lumme at 562-493-4043. Donations are also being accepted via their website at www.theyouthcenter.org/cash_donation.
