Rocking out and kicking off with a blast at Affliction in Seal Beach, The Youth Center’s Community Support Campaign Kickoff party was a success raising more than $30,000 in one night towards their monthly goal of $150,000, on April 5. To date, they have $48,000 raised.
More than 150 supporters enjoyed listening to nationally known musician and Orange County local blues/rock guitarist Randy Scott perform at the studio of the retail headquarters with the help of SirusXM LiquidMetal host Jose Mangin.
“I love it,” said Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp.
“It’s all about the kids and our community. Partnering with The Youth Center is one of the highlights of my year.”
Also in attendance were Los Alamitos City Council Members Richard Murphy and Shelly Hasselbrink, Miss Seal Beach Spencer Lopez, and Miss Seal Beach Teen Savannah Finch, the Seal Beach Volunteer Police, Seal Beach TV, and the Seal Beach Lion’s Club to name a few.
Campaigners and supporters united in their common purpose to make a difference in the lives of local kids and their families with the help of campaign chairman and Seal Beach Police Chief Joe Stilinovich who said, “Anytime the community can rally and come together, we already are successful. We want to give a big thank you to Affliction and Randy Scott.”
All enjoyed delicious food generously donated by several Seal Beach restaurants and establishments including sushi from Mahe, pulled pork sliders from Café Lafayette, a variety of pizzas from Glory Days Pizza, sliders and wings from the Abbey, ice cream delights from Cold Stone Ice Creamery, and Paradis Danish Ice Cream and Vegan Sorbets.
First time campaigner Carol Chudy of Z-Pizza in Los Alamitos who has only been involved with The Youth Center for the last 6 months recalled how she and her husband Steve got involved.
“We started by donating pizzas,” Chudy said. “Now I’m on the Youth Center’s Events Committee.” Both are retired teachers who see the value of keeping kids out of trouble after school. “Kids need a positive outlet and place to hang out,” said Chudy who has four grown children and four grandchildren.
Returning campaigner and long-time supporter John Osborn from Alamitos Eye Care in Los Alamitos expressed, “It’s all about making sure kids become productive citizens. I’m glad there is a Youth Center as there would otherwise be a lot of kids on the streets.”
Besides the After School Program, the campaign also funds the Every 15 Minutes program where teens from Los Alamitos High School learn about dangers and consequences of poor decision making. Campaigners intently and quietly watched a video presentation from last year’s event after listening to three students speak about what an impact it had upon their lives.
“I can remember a girl came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you’re that cop who made me cry,’ said Chief Joe who emotionally had to read a student’s obituary in class as part of the program. “If we can make a difference in one child’s life, then it was absolutely worthwhile.”
Other programs benefiting from the Community Support Campaign include the Youth Center’s Music Program for elementary school students and the Leadership Academy for high school seniors and first year college students who learn valuable life skills to help prepare them for adulthood.
If it wasn’t for the annual campaign, the Youth Center wouldn’t be able to provide such valuable programs that help educate and enrich the lives of many local children from not only Los Alamitos but also from all the surrounding cities of Seal Beach, Long Beach, Cypress and beyond.
The Youth Center formally recognized CrossFit Tribe Functional Fitness and Southland Credit Union as their Local Business of the Year at the campaign kick-off.
Through their efforts and the efforts of each and every campaigner, The Youth Center can continue to provide for the needs of children now and in the future.
Campaigners and supporters will be getting together every Tuesday in April at various locations in and around Los Alamitos.
If you’d like to become a part of their efforts or to make a donation, please contact The Youth Center at 562-493-4043 or go online at theyouthcenter.org.