45th annual Youth Guidance luau to raise funds for local children in need

LaKia Patterson, YG Group Leader and YG Students: Mariah’Ka, Genese, Naudiah, with Jenna Manfredi, YG Mentor Resource Manager

Aloha! Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy will hold its 45th annual Tropical Night Luau Friday, Oct. 7th, at the Boulevard Village and Tennis Club in Vero Beach from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Known by many as “Vero Beach’s Best Party of the Year,” this event will delight all who attend. Guests will be adorned with traditional Hawaiian leis upon arrival and will have the opportunity to meet children enrolled in Youth Guidance. The Luau will include an open bar, tropical buffet, dancing, an exciting live auction with spectacular prizes, and an unforgettable performance by Hiti Mahana Polynesia featuring a Siva Afi Fire Knife Spinning Finale.

Sponsorships for the Luau are available starting at $500, which includes two tickets to the event and promotion on event signage, social media, and marketing materials. Youth Guidance anticipates 180 guests in attendance this year.

Luau proceeds will provide life-changing mentoring programs for children and families with limited resources in Indian River County. Youth Guidance serves approximately 250 children and young adults ages 5-24 each year. Thanks to generous donors, all programs are made available free of charge, and the children receive a healthy dinner every night.

As Youth Guidance approaches its 50th anniversary, the organization’s strategic focus is to provide local children access to life skills, academic enrichment, and vocational training.

In October 2022, Youth Guidance will offer an eight-month pre-apprenticeship program, providing young adults ages 16-24 with six professional certifications and experience in five different trades: Welding, plumbing, electric, carpentry, and HVAC.

Other programs at Youth Guidance include afterschool tutoring, website design, gardening, cooking, bicycle repair, boat mechanics, sewing, and money management.

“The Tropical Night Luau is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our mission and the programs that we offer at Youth Guidance,” Barnes said.

For more information on Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy programs and the Tropical Night Luau, visit www.youthguidanceprogram.org or call Executive Director Phil Barnes at 772-492-3933.

Frank & Sandi Lardani, Carol Braun & Mary Lewisy