Celebrating African-American Culture and Resilience of High-Risk Youth and Young Adults
by Cindy Duffy
Family Health & Support Network (FHSN) presents a Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley Celebration and Pioneer Awards Fundraiser on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at La Quinta Resort & Spa, 49-499 Eisenhower Drive in La Quinta. The eighth annual event honors African-American culture and heritage and is a benefit for Family Health & Support Network’s foster care, prevention, and early intervention programs.
The evening begins with a V.I.P. reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the Pioneer Awards at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear “smart casual white.” Tickets are $55 for general admission, and $75 for V.I.P. reception and seating. Sponsorships are available and individual and group tickets may be purchased at 760-340-2442 or visit juneteenthcv.com.
“The funds raised at the Juneteenth Celebration and Pioneer Awards are used to enhance the quality of programs and services we offer, and to educate our community,” explained Sandra Austin, Executive Director of Family Health & Support Network. “This event also provides much-needed recognition to high-risk youth and young adults who are in desperate need of healthy and supportive attention.”
The “It’s My Life” Pioneer Awards offer an opportunity to honor youth and young adults age 12-25 who, despite challenging life circumstances such as foster care, homelessness, economic, physical or emotional challenges, have persevered and thrived. Nominations are being accepted until May 15, 2015 in the following categories: Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Descriptions of each category and an online nomination form are available at juneteenthcv.com.
The event will also feature African-American art and culture, with a selection of vendors and exhibitors showcasing their artwork, products and services. This “All White Attire” evening inspires and empowers local residents and visitors, and 100% of the proceeds directly benefit the children and families served by the FHSN foster care program.
V.I.P. tickets include a private reception with a wine tasting, passed hors d’oeuvres, photo opportunity and live entertainment. V.I.P. guests will enjoy premier seating during the Pioneer Awards and the main celebration, including dinner and a special performance.
“FHSN has contracts with Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties for the placement and administrative oversight of children and youth who have been removed from their homes as victims of abuse and neglect,” added Austin. “We are actively recruiting qualified individuals and couples who share our passion for helping children and youth to serve as certified foster parents. Please join us for this very special evening.”
Family Health & Support Network, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2003 by founding members Sandra Austin, Robbie Peer, and Michael Scott, that serves high-risk children who have been removed from their homes as victims of abuse and neglect and who have been placed in protective custody.
For more information about Family Health & Support Network, Inc. please visit fhsnet.org
To learn about the Juneteenth event, award categories, and to submit nominations, please visit juneteenthcv.com.
