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Inverness Couple Starts $20K Challenge Gift for The Bridge Youth and Family Services

In an effort to grow the family of supporters for The Bridge Youth and Family Services, an Inverness couple has created a $20,000 matching gift challenge in effect now through June 30, 2017.

Sue and Norm Abazoris have volunteered and financially supported 'The Bridge' for the last 25 years. Over that time, they have seen both strong and lean times as the 50+ year nonprofit has strived to provide vital services for children and families in six area townships, including a substantial presence in Palatine Township where the 501(c)(3) organization is based.

Over the last couple of years, The Bridge's partial reliance on state funding has created serious challenges.

"We have learned an extremely valuable lesson; the survival of this organization must include support from the local communities that it serves," Norm Abazoris said. "This challenge gift is our way of igniting a passion in those who believe in The Bridge's mission, as Sue and I do."

The challenge provides a way that community members can maximize their donations, while helping The Bridge to fulfill its mission to provide child and family counseling, prevention and mentoring, and crisis intervention services. Fees for these vital services are based on family income and situation, and no family is turned away due to an inability to pay for services.

The matching gift challenge applies to both new, and current supporters of The Bridge. New donors will have their donation matched dollar for dollar. For current supporters, donations above and beyond the previous year donation will also be matched, dollar for dollar.

Donations can be mailed to: The Bridge Youth and Family Services, ATTN: Development Department, 721 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067, at www.BridgeYouth.org or by calling (847) 485-3087.

The Bridge's annual gala, The Secret Garden Gala will be held on Saturday, April 8 at Chandler's Banquets, 401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. More information can be found at www.BridgeYouth.org.

ABOUT THE BRIDGE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

The Bridge Youth and Family Services provides a range of supports and counseling services to residents of Cook County living in Palatine, Barrington, Hanover, Elk Grove, Maine and Schaumburg Townships. The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 1965, and provides Child and Family Counseling, including psychiatric assessments, group services in high schools, substance abuse assessments and counseling, and education regarding abuse and neglect. Crisis Intervention Services are provided for runaway, locked out and homeless youths, and include counseling, emergency shelter referrals, and suicide assessments. Prevention and Volunteer Services include Youth Advocacy Mentoring, Youth Council, parenting programs, substance abuse education in local high schools and volunteer opportunities for the community at-large. For more information, visit www.BridgeYouth.org.

The Bridge Promise Statement:

We help kids and families overcome challenges and trauma to lead happier, more successful lives.

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