Fundraiser draws $600,000 for youth behavioral health services

BELLEVUE, WASH. — Yesterday’s Invest in Youth Breakfast raised $600,000 for Youth Eastside Services (YES), an organization that provides mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and education and prevention programs for youth and families on Seattle’s Eastside.

“We are so moved by this outpouring of support,” said YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. “This community of committed, caring donors is what makes our work possible.”

Speakers included:

·         KIRO 7 news anchor and Voice of the Seahawks Steve Raible

·         Alaska Air Group Chairman and CEO Brad Tilden and his wife Danielle Tilden, whose career in youth-serving organizations spans over 25 years

·         Seattle Seahawk Jermaine Kearse, who made a special appearance in support of YES

·         YES Board of Trustees member Dan Faulker, a realtor and former client of YES

·         Youth speaker Tallulah Gronseth, who recovered from substance abuse with YES’ support

·         Youth speaker Robert Santos, who is recovering from substance abuse with YES’ support

·         Basketball legend and philanthropist Lenny Wilkens

The money raised will support subsidized and free care to struggling families, as well as fund YES’ education and prevention programs.

See photos and a wrap-up of the event at www.YouthEastsideServices.org.

ABOUT YOUTH EASTSIDE SERVICES (YES)

YES provides mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and education and prevention services that positively impact the well-being of thousands of kids and families every year. Since 1968, YES has been a lifeline for youth and families, helping them recover from issues like substance abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, bullying and dating violence. The organization provides services at more than 70 locations across the Eastside, including doctors’ offices, schools, teen centers and community centers. YES accepts most major insurance providers, Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), and offers a sliding scale so that no family is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, visit www.YouthEastsideServices.org.

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