'Virtual is the New Black Tie' gala benefits The Bridge
The Bridge Youth & Family Services (The Bridge) invites you to support the 55-year organization in helping children, teens and families in Palatine and five surrounding townships.
The annual gala, reinvented as "Virtual is the New Black Tie," will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30, through Facebook Live at facebook.com/BridgeYouthFamilyServices, where participants can attend regardless of their location and dress up if they choose. Some special guests are also going to be part of the event.
While the current health crisis has interrupted plans to host the gala in person, the need to raise funds for mental health counseling and crisis intervention for young people is as critical as ever.
Through generous support from the greater community, The Bridge can continue to help area youth achieve social and emotional health through counseling, crisis intervention and parent education, as well as youth mentoring.
Virtual gala attendees will be able to participate in an online silent auction with items such as weekend getaways, family activities and unique experiences, along with a grand raffle.
"These uncertain times affect everyone, including nonprofit organizations. In order to continue to provide vital services, we rely on the generosity of corporate and community members for crucial counseling and crisis intervention," said Gregg Stockey, executive director of The Bridge.
"I am heartened that we can offer this virtual gala for the first time in our 50-plus year history. Our hope is that the community will come together to support the children and families that we serve."
Stockey and The Bridge board of directors invite the public to learn about vital community services and to connect with invested neighbors virtually from the comfort of their homes.
To RSVP, purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to win the $3,000 grand raffle prize, and to view and bid on silent auction items, visit www.bridgeyouth.org/events-calendar/gala/.
To donate from your mobile phone, text bridgeyouth to 76278.
The Bridge Youth and Family Services provides a wide range of programs and counseling services for residents of Cook County living in Palatine, Barrington, Hanover, Elk Grove, Maine and Schaumburg townships.
The 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1965, offers child and family counseling, 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. Services are provided to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.
For more information, visit BridgeYouth.org.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.