Event will honor community volunteers, raise money for transitional living program
Youth Bridge, Arkansas’ oldest agency supporting at-risk youth, will celebrate 50 years of building brighter futures at the “It’s a Wonderful Life” gala on Feb. 13 at 6p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Rogers. Tickets are $95 while tables are $1,200 and can be purchased online at YouthBridge.com or at the administration office, located at 2153 Joyce Boulevard, Ste. 201 in Fayetteville.
“We’re very excited about celebrating 50 years,” shares Nancy Hairston, Development Director for Youth Bridge. “Throughout the decades, our agency has changed and broadened its scope help eight counties in northern Arkansas while serving thousands of youth. We are going to honor all of those staffers, volunteers and other community members who have helped make Youth Bridge a success for half a century.”
The evening will be fun-filled from beginning to end with a silent auction and music by Abboriginal Productions. Previous roastees such as Jeff Schomburger, Dick Trammel, Becky Panietz, Dick Johnson and Shawn Baldwin will return. They, along with the audience, will participate in ThinkFast, the high-energy, interactive game show, that tests the audience on their knowledge of a variety of topics from pop culture, history and more. The top five tables will be represented in a lightning round the by the aforementioned celebrity roastees.
“We’re very excited about ThinkFast,” continues Hairston. “It’s a really fun event that keeps people on their toes and really gets the crowd involved. I think people will really enjoy it.”
Last year’s gala event raised over $70,000 and was attended by hundreds of local supporters and donors. This year, Youth Bridge is committed to making it an even bigger success. The funds raised will support the Benton County Emergency Shelter for youth in Centerton and the Transitional Living Program for young adults in Fayetteville.
Youth Bridge is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthen families and building stronger communities by providing our youth with preventative services, counseling and shelter. Over the past year the organization has helped over 3,000 youth facing some type of crisis whether it be substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, homelessness, behavioral issues and mental health problems that impact their ability to have a full and meaningful life.
To purchase tickets or get more information, visit www.youthbridge.com.