By David N. Young
In its first ever Gala celebration, the much-heralded Los Alamitos Youth Center celebrated a one million service hour milestone Saturday, as state and federal officials were on hand to present state certificates to the center and presidential recognition for three dedicated volunteers.
Lina Lumme, the Center’s executive director, accepted the one million service hour award, noted the incredible support being demonstrated by so many donors and volunteers attending the formal event.
She said the event was named “A Night of Inspiration” and said “each one of you in this room are my inspiration.”
Lumme recounted her own story when trying to convey her complete dedication to the Youth Center and carrying forth programs that help children.
As an immigrant, Lumme said when she arrived, “I was pregnant and had no plan. “I spent two and one-half years in a shelter before a volunteer saved my life.”
Rewarded with an opportunity, Lumme said she two years later, she had been able to find a full time job and “had my own apartment.”
Lumme said the first time former Executive Director Tom Stretz offer her a job, “I turned it down,” she said to a roar from the crowd. However, Lumme said when Stretz’ wife Haddie later spoke to her again, “there is no way to say no to Haddie.”
She finally accepted the job and spent four years under Stretz before becoming Executive Director a decade ago.
“Our kids are so amazing,” she said, cutting her own time on stage so that she could present several of the Youth Center’s kids of all ages who said they have benefited enormously from the varies programs they offer.
The children thanked supporters from various milestones in their lives, from learning to play to Cello to receiving scholarships for college.
Lumme also thanked key donors like Chad Gnahl, the relatively new General Manager of Gnahl’s Los Alamitos operation, whom she said purchased more than 400 Christmas trees that did not sell when they moved to a new location (at a cost of over $20,000.00).
New York Life gave the Center a $5000 donation for reaching a one-million service hour milestone.
“Running a nonprofit is really hard,” she said, adding that “we have to raise every penny we spend on children’s programs.”
During the program, the group also acknowledged Robert and Janice Dominguez, the co-chairs of this year’s fundraising campaign that raised more than $200,000.
Thoughout the night, the Youth Center auctioned certain items while conducting a silent auction to raise additional funds.
The Poe family, including Marilyn, William III and IV, along with the entire family received recognition for their early efforts in establishing the Youth Center.
Stretz, a former executive director, interviewed before the event, said the Youth Center was a very simple operation until the Los Alamitos Race Track sought to expand. As part of that agreement, the track had to make a donation to a registered charity.
Once the race track had chosen the Youth Center for the contribution, the additional resources gave it power to grow and become what it is today. He also applauded “so many people” who recognized a need for youth activities and worked to grow from essentially a small lot with a basketball court to the multi-disciplinary programs it offers today.
According to Justin Padilla, the Director of Orchestra and Jazz at Los Alamitos High School, the Youth Center music program is critical to offering instruction in elementary schools. Several Youth Center musicians played at strategic entrance points as guests arrived and were seated at the Gala.
Lumme also presented White House awards of “Lifetime Achievement” signed by President Donald J. Trump to Beth Parker, Debbie Kent and Arnie Pine for their dedication to the Youth Center.
Courtesy photos
