Above / 360 Youth Services Board of Directors celebrates 45th anniversary of the nonprofit agency with gratitude to community partners as gala raises more than $210,000. (Photo courtesy Lisa Schwarz-Barry for 360)
The mood was celebratory as guests gathered on November 4 at the Embassy Suites in Naperville for the 45th Anniversary Gala of 360 Youth Services titled “City Lights, Sapphire Nights.”
By the end of the evening, the annual benefit had raised more than $210,000 in support of 360’s three program areas – substance abuse prevention education, counseling, and housing for homeless youth and young adults. Young people who had benefited from 360’s life-changing services shared their personal stories of triumph over challenge. Their presence brought the audience to their feet.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Harter Family Distinction of Honor Award presented to Nicki Anderson. The award recognizes those in the community who passionately support 360 Youth Services through their time, treasure and/or talent. Anderson was chosen for her generous and ongoing support of 360, previously serving as a board member and currently as an Advisory Council member. In addition to her thoughtful leadership, Anderson has played a key role in the advancement of 360’s mission through helping to secure space for 360’s Counseling Department and the development of “My Closet” – a collection of clothing for 360 housing residents. Anderson also has furthered fundraising efforts, when government funding was threatened, with her passionate video appeal resulting in vital funding and wide spread awareness for 360’s programs.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming support we received at our annual gala to advance the mission of 360 Youth Services” said CEO, Katy Leclair. “These funds are directly benefiting the amazing youth in our community, ensuring the brightest possible future for them.”
Silent Auction, Live Auction, Wall of Wishes, sponsors make a difference
While the event included both a silent and live auction, attendees were immediately drawn to a new element this year, the Wall of Wishes. Produced in-kind by FASTSIGNS, the Wall of Wishes featured the opportunity for attendees to contribute directly to program elements that serve clients’ needs every day. Such items included gas cards and bus passes to assist housing clients with transportation to school or work, a scholarship for a high school student to attend an Operation Snowball weekend retreat, and a weekend crisis worker to serve runaway or locked out youth through 360’s Counseling Department.
The event was supported by countless people and businesses in the community, and many sponsors have again stepped up for the youth of 360 including Windy City Sponsors Tom & Brenda Harter, Edward-Elmhurst Health, First Community Financial Bank, and Thomas Coffee. Big Apple Sponsors were Thrivent Financial Zac Larson and Corey Schmidt, Grunyk Family Law, and Northern Trust.
360 Youth Services provides life changing services to youth through substance abuse prevention education, counseling and housing. To learn more about their programs and initiatives, visit 360youthservices.org.
News item and photos submitted by Lisa Schwarz-Barry, Marketing & Event Specialist, 360 Youth Services.
