On February 27, 2017 the 2nd Annual Red Carpet Gala which benefits the “AT RISK” youth of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico kicked off at 6:00 p.m. at the Sandy Beach Convention Center. As you will see from the pictures, the room was decorated in 1st Class style. Julio Valenzuela of Mare Blu did a fantastic job of catering the gourmet dinner for 240 guests. The food service was done by many young people and they did an outstanding job. Most of them had never waited tables before, but they didn’t let that stop them. The GALA opened with music from Agua De Coco and ended with music from Sol De Noche.
The event started with a Welcome to Young Life Puerto Peñasco given by Alberto and Loly Marteniz. Alberto is the Area Director for Young Life. Dr. George and Susie Stavros presented the Friends of Young Life Award to Grant and Judy MacKenzie. Following this there was a presentation about YOUNG LIFE in LATIN AMERICA. Mayor Ernesto “Kiko” Munro also spoke at the event.
Just so you can learn a little more about YOUNG LIFE. It started in 1941 and the founder of it had a vision and approach to youth that was revolutionary in that era. The plan was to go where the youth hung out and through humor, music, adventure and to show the youth that adults cared about them. A world class camping program was formed and the youth were encouraged to make new friends through the weekly “Club”.
Currently, 75 years later, the Young Life program reaches out to over 2 million teens and college students in 99 countries all over the world. Puerto Peñasco YOUNG LIFE serves over 150 at risk youth with weekly social gatherings and annual camps. Because these youth are at risk, the week they spend at camp is vitally important as they learn new social skills and how to make friendships. These 150 that are at risk due to many elements, some being lack of spiritualism and perhaps a family that can not teach their children right from wrong and therefore the kids never understand right from wrong.
At this writing, money is still pouring in so we don’t have the final amount that was raised. The event was hosted by 39 sponsors from the community as well as private donations and a huge thank you goes out to all of them.
Mark you calendars for next year to be a part of this event and be assured that the money is going to the right place. Investing in the youth of Puerto Peñasco is an investment we can’t afford to not be involved in. This is a great way to give back to the community we live in and call home.
