To 'have a heart' for something means that it is special. You nourish it. You protect it. And you do whatever it takes to allow it to thrive.
On Friday, Feb. 10th over 250 guests came out the annual Hearts For Youth Banquet and Auction to show their support for the Kipling Youth Center. Those in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by an army of volunteers led by Judy Larson.
Following the meal, the crowd was able to bid on a number of donated items through the silent auction and the live auction conducted by auctioneer Gordon Kish.
Two young people also stood up and spoke describing the impact that the Kipling Youth Center has had and IS having in their lives. Rachel Joice, a young woman who has only recently become old enough to start attending the Youth Center, described her excitement at being finally able to join this unique community. Courtney Pusch, a Grade 12 student, talked about the “fun, laughter and general insanity” that made coming to the Youth Center such a joy for her. “My favorite thing about going to the Kipling Youth Center...” said Courtney, “...is that I never left without a story to tell!”
Charla Smyth, the Youth Center Director, thanked the crowd for making the Youth Center's most important fund-raiser another success...noting that the funds totalling over $11,400 raised from this event will be used to keep the Youth Center open and ready to welcome Kipling's young people through the coming year.
“We literally could not do this without you,” said Charla. “We live in a good town!”
