WESTLOCK – Westlock’s Youth for Christ (YFC/Youth Unlimited) with its Someplace Else drop-in centre on the east side of town, was finally, after two years, able to hold its annual fundraising dinner April 1 at Memorial Hall once again.
Director Marnie Hoetmer was more precise as it had been “one thousand, 100 and 20 days” since the last fundraising event for the organization, noting, “What a journey we have been on. We could not do the work we do without you.”
And although they weren’t able to host a fundraiser, the centre was able to carry on only through the generosity of faithful supporters.
But not only has it continued, it has thrived, and Hoetmer notes they are now serving an ever larger number of youth within the community each month.
The fundraising event plays a large role in being able to continue that work, and many of the youth who attend, shared their stories, some in person, and some on video, of how the centre is a great and safe place to be, to hang out with friends and feel cared about. This is the result of the work of Hoetmer and others who work tirelessly to make it that safe and caring environment.
Between the many silent auction items and the live auction items — especially the live auction items — a large sum was raised to keep it all going. Along with a donated flight, riverboat tours, concrete and work and loads of washed rock, was the now-famous dessert auction of pies and cakes. For example, no cake is really worth $675. But it, and other similar prices for pies and cakes, show the generosity of a community that wants to see this safe place continue for young people to grow and develop and succeed into future citizens and good adults.
