PACE Youth Leadership Committee Broke the Silence of Autism
San Jose, CA, March 20, 2010 – Over 750 high school students from more than 60 high schools around the Bay Area attended Pacific Autism Center for Education’s Youth Leadership Committee (PACE YLC) “Breaking the Silence [of Autism] Mixer” on Saturday, March 20. Over $6,000 was raised by the PACE YLC, a group of eager teenage philanthropists!
The PACE Youth Leadership Committee is comprised of 15 high school students from various high schools in the Bay Area. Each member pledged to raise $365 in one year for PACE and to spread awareness about Autism. The mixer was the group’s first big benefit event, and it was a huge success.
YLC Co-Chair Hannah Nguyen and YLC Member Mariam Khan of Notre Dame High School spearheaded the efforts and vision of the Mixer. From there, the whole Committee participated in the publicizing and logistics planning. “It was a great learning experience for all of us on the YLC!” Khan said. “We now know and appreciate the business side of event planning.”
Their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication made Saturday’s event a success. San Jose City College’s main gym was transformed into a club type environment, complete with club lighting by PLM Productions and music by a group of WiLD 94.9 DJs. Tickets were $10 per student and all proceeds benefited PACE programs and services.
Kurt Ohlfs, PACE Executive Director and chaperone for the event, shared, “It was wonderful to see so many high school students out on the dance floor supporting such a good cause. These kids are Breaking the Silence of Autism”.
PACE is amazed by the drive and energy of these motivated teens. They have shown that youth leadership combined with philanthropy is the new trend; if the PACE YLC is representative of teenagers today, then the future is surely in good hands.
Founded in 1989, PACE provides services for children and adults with Autism in the Bay Area, including an Early Intervention program, PACE School, Adult Day Vocational, and Residential homes. For more information about the YLC or if you are a high school student interested in joining the Committee for the 2010-2011 school year please contact Bridget Holian at bridgetholian@pacificautism.org.
Support PACE
PACE depends on the generosity of caring contributors in the community in order to provide the highest quality of care for individuals with Autism.
Connect with PACE
Find Us On
