Tag Archive for: news release

Benefit Auction Supports Kids and Features Exciting Adventures and Items

, , ,

h

Thursday, April 25, 5 – 9 pm CT, Bally’s Riverfront Pavilion, Evansville

Youth First impacts thousands of students each year, and the community is invited to help by supporting its benefit auction. The unique experiences and items available at Youth First’s 22nd Annual Passport to Adventure Auction will no doubt attract music, sports and travel enthusiasts to Evansville’s Bally’s Riverfront Event Center on Thursday evening. This in-person event features vacations, themed baskets, artwork, jewelry, designer bags, home décor, and gift certificates. The public and media are invited to attend.

This exciting evening will feature a meaningful program and a live and silent auction, along with an awards ceremony that honors youth, supporters, and educators who have benefitted from or advocated for Youth First. Admission is FREE and delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served. For those who cannot attend in person, mobile bidding is available.

Fans of unique experiences, sports, music, and more will enjoy:

  • Florida Vacation Stays – Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Orlando
  • Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle and memorabilia
  • Weekend Stays – Rough River and Lake Barkley
  • Pangea Kitchen Pizza Making Experience
  • Wilde Horticulture – Landscaping or Seasonal Decorating Package
  • Jayson Munoz Food Truck Party
  • Just Rennie’s 5-Course Dinner with Don & Lori Mattingly in the Tuscan Wine Room
  • Azzip Pizza for a Year PLUS a Lifetime Discount
  • Theme Park, Museum and Zoo Tickets and other Family Fun
  • Themed Baskets and Restaurant Gift Certificates
  • Kate Spade, Coach, and Michael Kors Designer Handbags, Sunglasses, Jewelry and much more for her!
  • Lainey Wilson Concert Tickets with Airbnb Stay
  • Signed Sports Memorabilia and Golf Packages
  • Artwork and Home Decor

The annual benefit auction, presented by Edward Jones, is Youth First’s largest fundraising event and directly supports Youth First’s mission of cared-for kids. Youth First offers evidence-based community programs and school-based mental health support free of charge. This school year, over 52,000 students in 125 partner schools across 14 Indiana counties have access to highly trained Youth First Mental Health Professionals, who equip young people with caring relationships, resilience, and readiness for success.

For more information about the Passport to Adventure Auction or to RSVP or place an online bid, please visit youthfirstinc.org/auction or call 812-421-8336.

/by

Kendrick Foundation Awards $100,000 to Youth First

, , , ,

Grant to Provide Expanded Mental Health Support and Substance Misuse Prevention for Morgan County Youth

The Kendrick Foundation continues to invest in the health and well-being of Morgan County youth and families. A grant award of $100,000 was recently presented to Youth First, Inc. to provide mental health support and substance misuse prevention.  

The Kendrick Foundation invests in conditions that support the physical and mental health of all Morgan County residents and is leading health initiatives to address mental health, substance misuse, physical activity and nutrition.

Keylee Wright, Executive Director of the Kendrick Foundation, states, “We are more committed than ever to providing additional mental health services, resources and supports to our communities, schools, families, and youth during this unprecedented time of need. Since 2018, the Kendrick Foundation has invested in Youth First programs, and we continue to see results. We are truly grateful for the work of Youth First and the support of our Morgan County schools to make these vital programs and services more accessible for our youth and families.”

The grant to Youth First will allow for continued mental health support for students in selected Martinsville and Mooresville schools. Youth First partners with 125 schools across 14 Indiana counties to embed prevention programs and over 90 skilled mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers) in school buildings, where they provide extra mental health support for students and prevention coaching for parents and teachers. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills.

Research shows these protective factors are the keys to effective prevention of negative outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive work and strategies are driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the growing need for mental health supports for students.

/by

Best-One Tire and Service Presents Check for $3,540 to Youth First

, , ,

Youth First Benefiting from the Best-One Employee Contribution Program   

Best-One Tire and Service will present a check for $3,540 to Youth First on Thursday, April 11, at 10:30 am. The presentation occurs at Best-One’s Evansville location at 1241 Tutor Lane just off Burkhardt Rd. Near Walmart East. Representatives from Best-One will present the check to representatives from Youth First.

The donation will serve programs in Vanderburgh County & Gibson County in Indiana and Henderson County in Kentucky. 

All members of the media are welcome. News coverage is requested.  

Youth First, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization based in Evansville, Indiana, and serves Indiana youth and families. Youth First exists to transform and strengthen the lives of young people and their families. It is the only organization that provides Masters-level social workers in area schools and prevention programs for youth and families. On-site, free-of-charge behavioral health services and programs prevent substance abuse, improve family relationships, and develop life skills.

Best-One Tire & Service now has locations throughout Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Kansas, and Missouri. Best-One has remained on the leading edge of the automotive industry while maintaining low prices. Best One’s Indiana stores are in Newburgh, Vincennes, Princeton, and Evansville. Illinois stores are in Breese, Harrisburg, and Robinson. Kentucky has locations in Owensboro, Madisonville, and Henderson. Missouri has a Best One store in St. Louis.

/by

Bob and Judy Griffin Named 2023 Champions of Youth First

, , ,

Youth First, Inc. honored community philanthropists Bob and Judy Griffin at its 2023 Breakfast of Champions event on Tuesday, October 24 at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh.

Bob and Judy received the Dr. William Wooten Champions of Youth First Award at the event, sponsored by German American. In addition to recognizing the Griffins, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers with approximately 300 guests in attendance. 2023 marks Youth First’s 25th anniversary which was highlighted at the event as well.

Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke proclaimed October 24, 2023 as “Bob and Judy Griffin, Champions of Youth First Day.”

These role models in business and philanthropy inspire others to invest in children, families, and the future workforce by serving as advocates of Youth First’s mission.

Bob and his business partners built Evansville-based Escalade, Inc. to become a leader in the manufacturing of sports equipment for archery, table tennis, billiards, and more. An Illinois native with degrees from Notre Dame and Northwestern Universities, Bob is also a strong supporter of local higher education institutions, the University of Southern Indiana, and the University of Evansville.

Judy is also devoted to serving others, especially children, so that they reach their full potential no matter their circumstances. An Evansville native, Judy is a graduate of Mater Dei High School and Indiana University and holds a Master’s degree in education from UE. In addition to teaching, she studied art and psychology, ran a popular Newburgh tearoom, and has served on several nonprofit Boards, including Youth First’s.

Bob and Judy are the proud parents of four and grandparents of eleven.  

Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Dan Hoefling, Youth First Board Chair-Elect and President, KOCH Finishing Systems; Very Rev. Alex Zenthoefer, Diocese of Evansville Vicar General; Lindsay Botsch, German American Market President; David Bower, President, USI Foundation; Kevin Hammett, President & CEO, Regency Properties; Sr. Anne Catherine Burleigh, O.P., Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Vicaress General; Patrick Griffin, son and Vice President, Escalade, Inc., Lauren Kaiser, Youth First Board Chair and Chief Human Resource Officer, Tri-State Orthopaedics; Parri O. Black, Youth First President & CEO; Dr. William Wooten, Youth First Founder, as well as family and friends of the Griffins.

/by

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Awards $17,000 to Strengthen Kids

, , ,

Grant to Support Youth First Services in Diocese of Evansville Catholic Schools

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville has awarded $17,000 to Youth First, Inc. for vital services and programs in Diocese of Evansville Catholic schools.

Youth First’s purpose is to strengthen the mental health and well-being of young people so they can live safe, healthy, and productive lives. This year 86 Youth First Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals, along with evidence-based prevention programs, are embedded in 119 schools across 12 Indiana counties and accessible to over 50,000 students, their parents and caregivers.

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s gift will help provide service to 24 Catholic schools across five counties, including 13 in Vanderburgh County.

The U.S. Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics, and others have declared a national youth mental health crisis, as suicide rates and drug overdoses have soared in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Youth First’s data since the start of the pandemic mirrors the national concerns. Over the last several school years, Youth First’s caseload data reflected a 58 percent increase for suicide risk, an 84 percent increase in interventions for immediate behavioral concerns, and a 73 percent increase in teacher/staff consultations, with a growing number of educators seeking support for their own stress as well as their students’ needs.

Youth First embeds mental health professionals, primarily master’s level, licensed social workers, in schools to serve as specialized mentors for students and prevention coaches for parents and teachers. They also coordinate with community partners to connect students and families to resources and services. They build caring relationships, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills. Research shows these protective factors are the keys to preventing addiction, suicide, violence, and similar outcomes for young people. The organization’s positive outcomes are driving growth, with more schools seeking Youth First’s help to address the mental health needs of students and best equip them for success. Youth First services are free for students and families thanks to funding partners like Ascension St. Vincent Evansville.  

/by

D-Patrick Boonville Ford Presents a Donation Check for $1,000 to Youth First

, , ,

Car Dealership’s Ongoing Campaign to Assist Worthy Local Organizations Continues

D-Patrick Boonville Ford will present a check for $1,000 to Youth First tomorrow, February 14, at 2 pm. The presentation occurs at the D-Patrick Boonville Ford dealership on Highway 62 near Walmart in Boonville. General Manager Peter O’Daniel and General Sales Manager Tony Toomey will be on hand to present the check to representatives from Youth First.

“This is a part of D-Patrick’s ongoing commitment to our community,” said O’Daniel. “D-Patrick is committed to making a positive impact and difference in our local community.”

Media organizations and outlets are welcome to attend the check presentation. News coverage is also welcome.

Youth First, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization based in Evansville, Indiana, and serves Indiana youth and families. Youth First exists to transform and strengthen the lives of young people and their families. It is the only organization that provides Masters-level social workers in area schools and prevention programs for youth and families. On-site, free-of-charge behavioral health services and programs prevent substance abuse, improve family relationships, and develop life skills.

D-Patrick, Inc. currently employs 484 local people in a variety of positions and now carries nine vehicle lines (Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Lincoln, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Porsche, and Volkswagen) with nine showrooms, six service departments, six parts departments, four body shops, and a corporate office. D-Patrick, Inc. employs the finest dealership staff, offers a superior service & sales experience while maintaining a tremendous selection of new and used vehicles and offering the best deals in the tri-state area.

/by