Raise the Roof for Kids a Huge Success

On Friday, November 15, 2013 Community Youth Network held its first annual dinner and dancing fundraiser. The theme for the year’s event was Raise the Roof for Kids, to coincide with the organization’s ongoing efforts to modernize their facility.

More than 100 people attended the charity event at Marvela’s Banquet Hall in Fox Lake. In addition to dinner and dancing, local motivational speaker Louie Sharp of Island Lake, shared his life story. Louie Sharp suffered from abuse and abandonment as a child. During his speech he told the audience how the years of trauma impacted him and his brothers and their families.Mr. Sharp stressed the importance of counseling for families and children in order to heal trauma and to stop the cycle of abuse.

Mr. Sharp also encouraged the audience to contribute throughout the year in an effort to create a legacy of support. Following dinner and Louie Sharp’s speech, the guests made their way to the dance floor, encouraged by the music from the DJ of Memory Makers Entertainment, Grayslake.

The event raised over 30,000 dollars from the continued contributions, donations, sponsored raffles and an exciting live auction. Blackhawks Tickets courtesy of Gail and Rick Weil, a 50 inch television and a 16GB iPad Mini purchased with funds donated by Networkers Plus Chapter of BNI, a Bauer’s catering Pig Roast for 50 people and imported Japanese Pearls donated by Jackie Smith were some of the most popular items.

The money will be used to help underwrite affordable, mental health care services to those who can’t afford to pay for services. Additional funds will go towards the process of repairing and updating CYN's facility.

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