With the final numbers in after their five-week-long fundraising “cruise,” the Youth Center in Los Alamitos Community Support Campaign met their annual campaign goal of $125,000 in donations to support the non-profit this coming year.
“We had a tremendous support this year and I want to thank everyone for their time and financial contribution to our children,” said Lina Lumme, Executive Director.
The Youth Center’s annual campaign funds vital activities including their After School Program, Music Program, Every 15 Minutes teen drunk driving determent event, the Leadership Academy and the Summer Day and Teen Camps. Scholarships are awarded based on need to families in the area.
“It’s been a great ‘cruise,’ and I really loved how people care for our youth,” said Campaign Chairman and “Captain” Scott Newton, who heads up efforts for the Every 15 Minutes event along with community supporters. “They are willing to invest in the kids in the area so they can be the best they can be.”
Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp said, “One of the things I appreciate the most in Los Alamitos is the commitment we have to children and youth, and the Youth Center plays a pivotal role in this commitment.”
Executive Director Lina Lumme went on to say that if we continue investing in our youth today, we will have a thriving community in the future but that the Youth Center can’t do it alone. “Our volunteers, staff, and supporters believe that what we do is important. Programs like Every 15 Minutes are important to the students, parents and community. Kids need us and my hope is to better and expand our programs for them,” she said.
The Every 15 Minutes event, held bi-annually, was done about two and a half weeks ago is a realistic simulation of a drunk driving accident with Los Alamitos High School student involvement. This year’s event even had a rescue helicopter land at the intersection of Cerritos Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard. One mother of a student who “died” in the accident suggested at the final campaign night that driving while texting should be included in the next event.
Of the event Los Alamitos High School student Megan Kizziar said it “makes her learn responsibility,” and “that it really does change lives.” She went on to say that it gave her a greater appreciation for being alive. Another student participant Karina DuBourdieu said the event brought her closer to her parents and that she can’t imagine losing someone to drinking and driving. “This program changes lives,” she said.
“It’s a worst case scenario to have a child die before you pass, and Every 15 Minutes reinforces that kids have real choices to make,” said another parent. LAHS student participant Sky Meredith was overwhelmed to learn that her “death” at the event made her realize how many lives she impacts on a daily basis at school. “Students I didn’t even know said they were glad I was alive,” she said.
“I think we have made a huge impact in the community with Every 15 Minutes,” said Newton. At the end of the two-day event, Los Alamitos High School holds assemblies for all grade levels. Some of this year’s event students were impressed to participate in the event while in their freshman and sophomore years.
“The Every 15 Minutes Program saves lives and teaches our young adults how important it is to make good and healthy choices in the moment,” said Dr. Kropp. “We love our young people and are grateful for the Youth Center in helping to keep them safe! The Every 15 Minute Program is powerful, shows the possible consequences of drinking and driving, and brings families closer together through the process.”
Bringing families closer together is at the core of what the Youth Center is all about. Cassy Lumme, 11, daughter of Executive Director Lina Lumme has been brought closer to her mother particularly during campaign season this year. She challenged individuals to either donate or get a plate of whipped cream in their face, and then dared them to ask two other people to do the same. She raised $1,600 and was awarded Youth Volunteer of the Year on final campaign night. “The Youth Center is my second home and I hope to work here or for a non-profit like my mom.”
The Youth Center is still accepting donations. If you are interested in contributing to them, please contact Executive Director Lina Lumme or Office Manager Julie Rubin at 562-493-4043. For more information on their programs, please visit online at theyouthcenter.org.