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Third Annual Spirit of Youth Gala Raises $185,000 in an Exciting Evening of Celebration and Giving
An enthusiastic gathering of over 230 people assembled on August 5 at the beautiful Island Hotel in Newport Beach for the third annual Girls and Boys Town of Southern California Spirit of Youth Gala, raising a total of $185,000 for the organization's unique programs.
A silent auction included some 200 items in categories like sports, vacations, "kids stuff" and more - all donated by an impressive array of national and local companies. A live auction featured a weekend getaway at an exclusive 6,500-square-foot resort cabin in Vail, Colorado, and a Hawaiian vacation with tickets to the renowned Pipeline Masters surfing competition. And a portion of the live auction where guests could directly sponsor a youth generated over $20,000 alone. The 2006 Spirit of Youth Award went to national homebuilder Lennar in recognition of their $1 million contribution to support a third Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center in Southern California. Lennar is also providing invaluable services as the builder of the facility. The company was also presented with special commendations from U.S. Congressman John Campbell and California State Senator Dick Ackerman. 
In addition, Robin and Jim McInnis donated $25,000 for the Robin and Jim McInnis Scholarship and Aftercare Fund. This follows a previous contribution that enabled the establishment of this very important program.
Equally inspiring were testimonial speeches by two Trabuco Canyon residential campus alumni. The young men shared their stories of tough and challenging situations both at home and personally, the problems they faced, and how Girls and Boys Town helped them turn their lives around. "We are incredibly lucky to have an active and involved community of people who believe in the goals we strive to achieve for the children and families of Southern California," remarked Keith Diederich, Southern California President and CEO. "That includes our Board of Trustees, other volunteers in a variety of capacities, and those who make a financial commitment to our success. We simply could not provide the level of excellence we do without their involvement." Return to the Table of Contents |