The Youth Center in Los Alamitos held their third week report dinner on March 12 and has raised $70,323 of their $100,000 goal during their 16th Annual Community Support Campaign, the “30 Day Marathon Challenge.” Two new donations of $1,000 or more for their Presidential Round Table were from Alice Melamed and Alamitos Eye Care.
A group of about 30 volunteers gathered for “Southern Night” dinner which was made by board member, Heather Cronan and included pulled pork, a Mexican chicken pasta salad along with homemade lemon bars.
“We are officially heading towards the finish line,” said Executive Director Lina Lumme. “I want to thank all our hardworking 64 volunteers, headed by phenomenal Sean Payne, for their time, commitment and work.”
“We had another great week tonight, and have one more week in our campaign,” said Chairman Sean Payne. “We are right in place for our goal and I want to encourage everyone in the community to come out and support The Youth Center.” The fundraiser’s finale was on March 19 at 7 p.m. at The Youth Center with the event dinner featuring catered Italian food.
“I think it’s wonderful what The Youth Center does,” said Livia Householder, who raised approximately $200 with in-kind gifts. “My daughter came to The Youth Center about 5 or 6 years ago, and I’m thankful for them as I am a working mother.”
Board Member Tim Johnson has been a part of the campaign for 9 years and said he was “hooked from day one on it.” “It’s great,” he said. “I absolutely love it.” “It not only raises funds, it also lets us get out there and see everyone in the community.”
Fundraisers were encouraged to highlight The Youth Center’s sponsorship opportunities where $25 can sponsor one child in Summer Day Camp, $50 sponsors one child at Kid’s Night Out for three months, $100 sponsors one child in the Learning Center for two months, $250 sponsors one child in the After School Program for one year, $500 sponsors one child in the Music Program for one year, and $1000 sponsors one child in Teen Camp for four weeks.
The Youth Center is a non-profit organization funded in part through community donations and offers a free After School Program, Music Programs, scholarships for Summer Day and Teen Camps, Safe Rides Program, Kid’s Night Out and the “Every 15 Minutes” event. Their mission is “transforming lives one child at a time.”
The Youth Center is also doing a book, CD and DVD drive at the front of their building, with 25 percent of the product’s retail value going to The Youth Center. There is also an online auction going on now at wwwBiddingForGood.com/LAYC with all proceeds benefiting the Youth Center.
For more information about volunteering or donating to The Youth Center, please call Executive Director Lina Lumme at 562-493-4043 or visit them online at www.theyouthcenter.org. Online donations are being accepted at www.theyouthcenter.org/cash_donation.