Black & White Gala Fundraiser to support after-school programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2010

Portsmouth, VA – Youth Matter, Inc, a youth-focused 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the South Hampton Roads area of Virginia is hosting a fundraiser gala where the theme for this semi-formal event is a “Salute to the Diamonds and Pearls” (The girls and ladies in our lives). They are reaching out and asking men to bring their daughters, mother, sisters, aunts, girlfriend, grandmother, friends or even the first lady of their church and treat her to a special evening with a charitable purpose.

This year’s exciting evening will be held at the Norfolk Marriott Chesapeake Hotel in Chesapeake, Virginia at 6:00 PM on Saturday, November 6, 2010 and will feature dinner, dancing, entertainment, and a silent auction. It will be a ticketed event with proceeds to support Youth Matter Inc.’s after-school programs for young people of all ages. Reserve your seat today; advance sales only – tickets are $45 each for individuals and a table for ten is $450.

Wilheimina Long, Founder of Youth Matter Inc. said that “during difficult times, people want to find time to enjoy themselves, and they also want to be able to help others in their community. The gala is a way for people to do both and support our programs, and with the economy the way it is, it's needed more than ever.” She also said “the gala is especially important since donations are down because of the struggling economy, and due to the recent media focus on youth violence. Raising funds to support much-needed after-school programs is not optional, but mandatory in our communities.”

The Mistress of Ceremonies will be Toiya Sosa, and entertainment will include a performance by “Out of the Box” Mime and other local talent.

Ticket sales are the most visible part of the Gala, but sponsorships are where the Youth Matter Inc. really earns the most for the organization and is also asking corporations, businesses, groups, and individuals to join them as a sponsor of support.

"Sponsorships don’t have to be large, although that is welcome. Small donations add up." said Ms. Long. There are six categories for sponsorship ranging from $50-$499 all the way up to $5,000 or more.

For Gala tickets or more information about sponsorships, please contact us at 757-574-3288 or 757-490-1584, or email us at youthmatter@msn.com. Please visit www.youthmatter.org