Special to the HT
RBC | This year marks a milestone for YouthZone: 50 years of fostering hopeful youth, strong families and safe communities. Over the years, the organization has served thousands of court-involved and at-risk youth in Colorado’s 9th Judicial District and is planning a large-scale celebration.
The 50th Anniversary Gala is scheduled for Friday, May 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. Sponsors include title sponsor Alpine Bank; presenting sponsors SGM, Bighorn Toyota and Bank of Colorado; and dozens of supporting sponsors.
As part of the event, organizers are bringing back one of YouthZone’s best-known traditions: Kiss-N-Squeal. The fundraiser began in 1991 as a lighthearted competition in which local leaders and volunteers raise money for the organization. What started with $2,708 in its first year grew to nearly $193,000 in its final run, generating more than $1.3 million over two decades.
This year’s competition kicks off Friday, March 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at WingNutz in Rifle and already is gaining momentum.
Ten teams are participating: Dusty Harris and Matt Speicher of IMA Financial Group and Aflac; Larry MacDonald and Alta Otto of Hotel Colorado; Jay and Chelsea McGlade of Edward Jones; Becky Westphal and Amy Gosnell of Luminate Bank; Jon Harman of Coldwell Banker; Dave Portman of First Bank; Ashley Martinez and Stephanie Cisneros of Luma Medical Team; Ray Alexander; Derron Cloud and Erin Zalinski of State Farm Insurance and Glenwood Springs City Council; and Alex Mondragon and Larry Stewart of Alpine Bank.
The top fundraiser will kiss a pig on stage at the May 1 gala.
The evening begins with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by Hotel Colorado. Live music will be provided by The Confluents, performing funk-inspired covers of artists such as Bob Marley, James Brown and Stevie Wonder. Early activities include a Bank of Colorado vault cash game, a photo booth, silent auction and opportunities to meet YouthZone staff.
The program, emceed by Blake Menezes of KLM Auctions, will include an overview of YouthZone’s services and impact, followed by a live auction featuring high-value experiences. Members of the Youth Advisory Council also will speak about the organization’s impact.
The event includes a paddle-raise to directly support services such as court advocacy, substance use education, therapy and restorative justice programs. Last year’s gala raised more than $130,000; organizers say this year’s event already has raised nearly $35,000 and aims to surpass $150,000.
Tickets, donations and auction bidding are available at YouthZone.com/Gala. General admission starts at $50, and tables of eight start at $320.
Organizers encourage community members to attend, donate, bid and spread the word.
The Kiss-N-Squeal competition and anniversary gala highlight the community’s generosity and commitment to supporting local youth. Organizers say the event celebrates not only the past 50 years, but also lays the groundwork for the future.
