The Votes Are In!
2024 Readers' Choice is back, bigger and better than ever!
View Winners → Beyond Foster Care Fundraising Event Nov. 5
Pasadena Independent Oct 27, 2015
by
share with
Recording artist Monica-Crystal knows something about the challenges faced by many former foster youth, and on Thursday, Nov. 5, she will take the time to share a little about her own experience as the keynote speaker for the Beyond Foster Care fundraiser for Journey House. More than 20 former foster youth are expected to dine with board members and other guests in the Mediterranean Room at the popular Brookside Golf Course, adjacent to the historic Rose Bowl.
Known as “M-C,” Monica-Crystal has moved beyond the abuse and trauma at the hands of her stepfather that defined her childhood. She recently moved back to Los Angeles after spending time in Seattle developing her talents and gaining a reputation as an accomplished painter, writer and aspiring actress. While living in the northwest, she founded an organization to help and inspire young women. This young adult believes that everyone is born with a God-given gift designed to help them thrive and states, “It is my mission to exemplify to foster youth that life after abuse and beyond the foster care system does exist, as do those special individuals sworn to help them achieve it.”
A valiant advocate for the rights of foster youth, Assemblymember Patty Lopez of California’s 39th District will be attending. She will speak briefly of her concerns about what foster youth face after their emancipation and her legislative efforts on behalf of California’s foster youth who age-out of the system.
This event will commence with a 6 p.m. reception as a prelude to dinner at 7 p.m. Several interesting items in the silent auction are certain to be the topic of conversation, like the strand of hair from Elvis Presley or bottles of wine signed by Tommy Lasorda. There are a number of meal certificates available for an array of delectable restaurants and eateries.
Proceeds from this fundraising dinner will help toward expenses for more than 70 Journey House former foster youth to stay in college and complete their degrees. Tables for eight are $600 each, and individual tickets are $75. If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to sponsor a table or purchase a ticket to cover expenses for one of the former foster youth to attend. For tickets, email info@jhpasadena.org, call (626) 798-9478 or mail a check payable to Journey House at 1232 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104.
Pasadena-based Journey House is a nonprofit organization established in 1983 with the sole purpose to assist emancipated foster youth to meet their independent living needs. For more information, visit our website at www.journeyhouseyouth.org.
