YouthZone's Spring Gala Lights Up the Night with $80,000 Raised for Youth Empowerment!
What a night to remember! YouthZone's 1st Annual Spring Gala was a resounding success, with a full house of 150 attendees basking in the warmth of community and generosity. We raised an astonishing $80,000!
The rave reviews poured in, from the delectable cuisine to the infectious charm of our auctioneer, who kept spirits high throughout the evening. Guests were not only treated to a feast for the senses but also gained deeper insight into YouthZone's impactful work within our community.
The auction highlight of the night? Without a doubt, the series of eight stunning art pieces generously donated by Cooper Corner Gallery stole the show, alongside the beloved hoodie sweaters that had everyone buzzing.
As we reflect on this unforgettable evening, we raise our glasses to the progress made, the lives touched, and the bright future ahead. Every ticket sold and sponsorship secured directly supports YouthZone's mission, underscoring the vital importance of each attendee's presence. Together, we continue to build a world where youth flourish, families thrive, and communities unite in strength and compassion.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence and generosity make all the difference in the lives of our youth, families, and community. Let's continue shining brightly together!
Download your Okim Photobooth images HERE!
Event Partners
This community event is held at The Arts Campus at Willits. TACAW presents exceptional performing arts, cultural events, and thought-provoking programming that sustain a connected, engaged, and inspired community. They are a non-profit organization. The Arts Campus at Willits board and staff are a group of highly engaged professionals with expertise in performing arts programming, construction, development, design, not for profit arts administration, fundraising and donor management, and unified by an overwhelming commitment to the arts and the community. TACAW is a proud nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet. TACAW plays a part in fighting climate change and making an environmental impact.
Auctioneer Blake Menezes with KLM Auctions
Silent and live auction items feature golf passes, ski passes, and gift cards from local businesses.
Blake Menezes began working at auctions when he was 15 years old, and has since participated in over 1,000 auctions. He balances his exciting and energetic auctioneering style with a fast-rising global marketing career at a major design software company in San Francisco. He holds a BS in Business Administration from CSU Sacramento and an MBA from The University of San Francisco, and is working toward his Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) designation from the National Auctioneers Association.
Blake has been doing auctions and Fund-a-Needs since he was a teenager, and for the past 11 years has been performing benefit auctions exclusively for KLM Auctions. Clients have been raving about him and Fund-a-Needs are his favorite. Blake is empathetic and smart, extremely friendly and approachable, and his warm and inclusive auctioneering style shows a level of caring and empathy that really shines through at his events.
Live Music by The Confluents
Become a Sponsor
We invite your business to become a sponsor of YouthZone's Spring Gala. By becoming a sponsor, you will receive numerous promotional benefits including having your name and logo featured in all printed event marketing material. Your business will also receive recognition on print ads in GSPI, Rifle Telegram, and Aspen Times. Additionally, we will feature your logo on the YouthZone website with a link to your website and give you a social media spotlight through our e-newsletter and Facebook page. We would be honored to have your support for this important event and would like to extend an invitation for you to attend.
LEARN MORE: Contact Ali Naaseh-Shahry, YouthZone's Deputy Development Director, at [email protected].
SPONSORSHIP DETAILS
$25,000 – Title Sponsor - 1 space available
Your business’ name and logo displayed prominently at the event, as well as on all print and digital materials related to the event, and in all spoken materials (radio, interviews). You will also receive 8 tickets to the event and a private table at the event.
$10,000 – Presenting Sponsor - 2 spaces available
Your business’ name and logo displayed at the event, as well as on all print and digital materials related to the event, and in all spoken materials (radio, interviews). You will also receive 8 tickets to the event and a private table at the event.
$5,000 – Supporting Sponsor - 3 spaces available
Your business’ name and logo displayed at the event, as well as on all print and digital materials related to the event, and in all spoken materials (radio, interviews). You will also receive 2 tickets to the event.
$2,500 – Staff Table Sponsorship - 3 spaces available
Your business’ name and logo will be displayed at the event, as well as on all print and digital materials related to the event, and in all spoken materials (radio, interviews).
$1,000 – Key Sponsor - 15 spaces available
Your business’ name displayed at the event, as well as on all print and digital materials related to the event, and in all spoken materials (radio, interviews).
Live Auction Donations Greater than $1000
Your business’ name and logo will be displayed as your business’ product is auctioned off during a live auction. All proceeds will go to YouthZone.
Silent Auction Donations Less than $1000
Your business’ name and logo will be displayed next to your business’ product during a silent auction. All proceeds will go to YouthZone.
$300 - Individual Admission - 175 tickets available
Includes a meal, drink, live music, and access to the silent auction, live auction, and paddleraise event.
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Pam Pine and Rick Abernethy
Supporting Sponsors
Staff Table Sponsorship
Key Sponsors
Slifer Smith and Frampton
625-Water 
