Our Events
Community Youth Services relies on private donations to supplement government grants, which make up 85% of our funding. These donations are extremely important to CYS because they are unrestricted dollars and we can do much more with the funds to better assist our youth. To help generate private donations, CYS holds a couple of events annually. The events allow for donors to connect with youth and staff that have turned the donations into miracles.
The Have a Heart for Kids Breakfast is held at the end of February or beginning of March. The Breakfast features youth who share their stories of triumph and thanks for community support. Bring your tissues as it can be extremely moving, but very inspirational. At the end of the breakfast, those in attendance are asked to make a donation. Donations and sponsorships have grown this event to raise over $100,000 unrestricted dollars for the programs at CYS.
The Trick or Trot is a 5k run that takes place in October, downtown Olympia, across from our main office. This run is a family fun event to get the community involved in healthy activities and promote CYS to those that may not know who we are. Runners come in costumes, groups and several walk just to support the cause. More information on both events mentioned can be found by going to their pages linked above.
In the past, there have been other events to help recognize our youths’ accomplishments, volunteer time and to gather donations to help a particular cause. The Youth Awards rely on donations earmarked for scholarships, of which staff will nominate youth needing the assistance in pursuing their education/career goals. A Back -to-School Drive help gather school supplies for our youth enrolled in school that cannot afford the long list of supplies that need to be brought into the classrooms. Occasionally, other community groups will put on events for CYS and donate all the proceeds to either a particular program or to the CYS general fund.
To help with any of these events, or to coordinate one on our behalf, please contact the Development Associate at 360-918-7844.
