YouthBuild Lake County's outdoor benefit a huge success
YouthBuild Lake County raised more than $160,000 at its 16th annual fundraising event, The Spring Benefit: Drive Up for Success, June 5. This marks this first major in-person event for YBLC since the organization went virtual in March of 2020.
"It was so great to see our donors back in person for the first time in 15 months," said Tameka Wilson, executive director of YouthBuild Lake County. "Our guests really appreciated the opportunity to gather with their friends while supporting the mission of YBLC."
More than 200 guests arrived for the evening at the parking lot of One Overlook Point in Lincolnshire for an outdoor, drive-in themed event. Guests packed chairs and tailgated with live music, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden, accompanied by a silent auction and a Golden Ticket raffle.
Following the program, guests enjoyed dessert and popcorn while watching the featured movie, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Students and alumni from the program mingled with guests while participating in a scavenger hunt designed to give YBLC's students a fun and interactive way to talk with guests.
North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr., Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor, Illinois State Sen. Adriane Johnson, and Illinois State Rep. Chris Bos were among those in attendance.
"I was thrilled with the success of our Drive Up for Success event in Lincolnshire," said Bill Almond, YouthBuild Lake County Board of Directors member and 2021 Spring Benefit Committee chair.
"We took a risk and made a decision to avoid an all-virtual event and go outside. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, and it was great to see many familiar faces as well as many new faces that were introduced to our mission and our organization."
Significant sponsors of this year's event included R&W Machine Division Warner Industries Inc., P&G, Zoro, and Jelly Belly Candy Company.
This year, David Liebman of Merit Partners, LLC, was the recipient of the Lifetime of Service Award. Liebman served on the board of directors for 11 years and as the chairman for three of those years.
"It's hard to describe how flattered I am to have been honored for doing what I love to do by such a transformative organization as YBLC," Liebman said.
"I'll continue to work hard on behalf of the motivated young adults served by YBLC, so that they achieve their school, college and job dreams and provide for themselves and their families."
YouthBuild's mission is to provide underserved young adults with the education, training, and life skills necessary to become gainfully employed and build a better future. All proceeds from this event directly support the programs offered.
YouthBuild Lake County (YBLC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization located in North Chicago. YBLC operates under YouthBuild USA, which has been established for more than 40 years and constitutes over 230 programs nationwide.
Since 2004, YBLC has served more than 800 youth in the Lake County area. Today, YBLC serves over 75 young people each year, and provides follow-up assistance to hundreds of alumni.
To support their mission in serving underserved young adults in the community by making a donation or volunteering your time, visit www.yblc.org.