Brandi
Carlile inspires 1,200 guests to raise record funds
BELLEVUE,
Wash. (March 17, 2014) – It was an event marked by powerful stories, courageous
youth and remarkable support. Youth clients, along with keynote speaker Brandi
Carlile, drew a capacity crowd of 1,200 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on March
12. Together, this record breaking crowd raised more money for YES than ever
before.
Former YES
client and small business owner Alisa Clark took the stage to ask guests to
join her in donating to YES. “I have gone from client to advocate to
speaker…Now I am giving financially to help ensure that the roots of this
agency continue to run deep in our community and in the lives it serves and
saves.” Her ask, along with the powerful stories shared by current clients
motivated guests to donate more than $610K – with additional online donations
continuing to come in. Read More >>
“We are
profoundly moved by the commitment of our community to support youth and
families,” said YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. “This level of
support is unprecedented, but so is the growing number of families who need our
services,” she added. Youth Eastside Services is a lifeline for kids and
families coping with challenges such as emotional distress, substance abuse and
violence.
Keynote
speaker Brandi Carlile applauded the work of YES and discussed her experiences
of growing up in Washington State and following her dream to become a musician.
She emphasized the importance of supporting youth on a daily basis, and the
crucial role of organizations like YES for those youth who may not have a safe
space or adult in their life. "What is your kid like? Not your actual child, if you’re lucky
enough to have one, but the kid that is who you really are?” Carlile asked. “I’m constantly reminded of those formative
years and how they shape us as adults,” she added.
The audience
also heard from 10-year-old Ivon, a fifth grader who sought counseling at YES
after enduring bullying by a neighbor for nearly a year. With the help of her
mentor, Melissa, Ivon shared how the support she found at YES helped her
overcome the hurt and sadness she experienced. Three years after initially
coming to YES, Ivon is now an ambassador at her school and shares her story
with younger students to help them become more compassionate and end the cycle
of bullying. Ivon’s mother also spoke and expressed the relief her family
experienced when they realized free services were available through YES.
Emcee and
local TV personality Meeghan Black facilitated a discussion with adolescent clients
who have experienced suicidal thoughts, along with substance abuse and self-harm.
A young woman, Alexis, shared how her extreme anxiety and depression led to an
emotional breakdown which required hospitalization. Through YES she received
treatment, completed high school and has received a full scholarship to the
University of Washington to study nursing. Another client, Peter, received
treatment at YES to overcome his issues with substance abuse. Peter now speaks
to hundreds of young people every year about the perils of substance abuse, and
where they can go for help. Every client noted that adults can make a
difference by listening to young people and giving them their full attention –
even when it seems those youth may not want it.
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