PRESS RELEASE: City Youth Now Raises Critical Funds and Rewards Outstanding Service at the 59th Annual Celebration Dinner and Silent Auction
City Youth Now Recognizes its Supporters and Gives Voice to the Children they Serve
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—March 31, 2009—The City Youth Now 59th Annual Celebration Dinner & Silent Auction at the Westin St. Francis was a great success drawing critical funds needed to support youth in crisis. This important event drew a sold out crowd and enlisted new support from the community at large. City Youth Now would like to thank its donors, new and old, for their generous contributions from Friday's event, which will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the organization's ability to reach youth in crisis, especially during this difficult economic time.
City Youth Now began the event by honoring three exceptional members of the San Francisco community, Deputy District Attorney Walter Aldridge, Deputy Public Defender Patty Lee and Independent Living Skills Program Coordinator Arlene Hylton. "These individuals have had a life changing impact on countless young lives," said Laura Ward, President of City Youth Now. "It was a gratifying experience to bring them recognition for their years of selfless work."
City Youth Now also bestowed The Jesse E. Williams III Memorial Scholarship to Franklin Landaverde, Devin O'Campo and Byron Ramos Castillo who are outstanding youth in the juvenile probation system as well as The Emancipating to Real Freedom Scholarship to Orlando Lewis, an outstanding youth in the foster care system. "These kids have dealt with and overcome great hardships and setbacks," said Roger Chan, Deputy Public Defender. "Their speeches at the event, and seeing them experience success and positive recognition, were truly inspiring."
At the close of the event, a toast was given to former board president and active member since 1985, Anne DeVincenzi Dito, who passed away in October 2008. A fund has been established in her honor.
About City Youth Now:
City Youth Now supports youth in the San Francisco foster care and juvenile justice systems by providing funds for services and programs that promote stability and personal growth. www.cityyouthnow.org
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Press Contact:
Elizabeth Fairbanks
Executive Director
City Youth Now
elizabeth@cityyouthnow.org
