Another record-breaking benefit for Youth Challenge
YC partners Jamie and Gabby, Phil Bova and YC chief of operations and program oversight Ken Kasler. Photo by Vincent Gorman
Close to 400 generous guests helped raise $210,000 for Youth Challenge at their “Gallery Gala” Annual Benefit & Auction on April 13 at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center. The Westlake nonprofit brings together children with physical disabilities and teen volunteers for adapted sports and recreational activities.
Guests enjoyed a fun evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, silent and live auctions, a Hilton Head vacation raffle and a 50/50 raffle while supporting Youth Challenge. In addition, attendees were treated to a gallery of artwork created by YC participants and volunteers.
The Youth Challenge participants and their teen volunteer partners energized the crowd with a rousing hip-hop performance complete with glow sticks waving throughout the ballroom.
Fred Koury, president and CEO of Smart Business Network, was the honorary event chair. Steve Nock, president of The Nock and Son Company and past president of the Youth Challenge board of trustees, and Ernie Vargo, partner at BakerHostetler and current YC board president, were co-chairs of the event. Christy McGucken of Ernst & Young and Marcia Obrock of ShurTech Brands served as auction co-chairs for the “Gallery Gala.”
Kathy Rigdon
is the Media Specialist for Youth Challenge in Westlake.