It was an exciting evening at The Youth Center in Los Alamitos for the final meeting of their 16th Annual Community Support Campaign, the “30 Day Marathon Challenge” on March 19, where they raised $108,855, to exceed their goal of raising $100,000. Approximately 75 people along with board members attended their “Italian Night” finale, which was catered by Mike Rosetti of Broadway Pizza in Long Beach.
“It was an incredible journey,” said Chairman Sean Payne. “We all finished strong and exceeded our goal.” “Thanks to the community and all campaign volunteers who made this possible, including the News Enterprise.”
“We exceeded our goal because of so many overachievers and good hearted people that were involved with our charity,” said Executive Director, Lina Lumme. “We will continue to carry our mission and impact the lives of kids in our community.”
“I’m excited,” said Payne. “Last week, I was really nervous when I talked to Lina and we weren’t sure we would meet our goal.”
There were a total of 64 campaign volunteers who solicited funds over the last 4 weeks from various individuals and businesses in and around Los Alamitos. The Kids for Kids campaign raised $994 for a new television at The Youth Center.
“The Youth Center wouldn’t be possible without our 1,000’s of volunteers,” said Lumme. Brian Dow was awarded Outstanding Volunteer for 2013. “I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you (to our campaign volunteers),” said Payne. He also said that together they raised funds and awareness within the community to keep The Youth Center open.
“My vision for The Youth Center is to include every single child who needs us,” said Lumme. “We are here for them, to help them.” “I always tell the kids to reach for the stars and to not be afraid to dream big because nothing is impossible.”
Also on hand at the final campaign meeting was Scott Newton of the Seal Beach Lion’s Club who talked about the “Every 15 Minutes” event that The Youth Center in conjunction with several local community sponsors organized recently at Los Alamitos High School. The “Every 15 Minutes” event takes place for two days every two years and has been going on since 1999. “This is an in-your-face program that is about the consequences of drinking and driving,” said Newton. Seal Beach Lion’s Club won Outstanding Club of 2013.
The President’s Round Table for the 2013 Community Support Campaign donating $1,000 or more includes Newt and Carol Hart, Joe’s Premium Painting, Xenet, Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach, Laura Herzog, Los Alamitos Medical Center, Jennifer Hirsch, Beth Piburn, Sandy Meseck, Jim and Shirley Bailey, Debbie Kent, Dan Qingwell, Tom and Nancy Curran, Sir Speedy Printing, Seal Beach Lion’s Club, Wendy O’Neil, Edward Jones, Heather Cronan, Rosetti’s Catering, Alandale Insurance Agency, Alice Melamed, Alamitos Eye Care, Tom and Tammy Barclay, Ganahl Lumber Company, Orange County Neighborhood Newspapers, News Enterprise, Sun News and Event News.
