The Youth Center launches annual One Grand Project
Every March, the Los Alamitos-based nonprofit invites communities members to help raise money for local youth
By Bella Kim, for The Youth Center
LOS ALAMITOS, CA – The Youth Center invites dedicated individuals to join their annual One Grand Project fundraiser and help reach their goal of $100,000. Funds will go toward scholarships, meals, and educational programs for children and families in need.
Located in Los Alamitos, The Youth Center encourages everyone to donate to the One Grand Project, as every dollar goes toward supporting at-risk youth. The Youth Center is using an online fundraising platform, so people can donate using the link on The Youth Center’s website and set up their own fundraising page.
“To make a difference in children’s lives during One Grand Project, the best way is to share our fundraising link with friends, family, and colleagues,” said Fundraising Coordinator Amanda Hernandez. “By encouraging them to donate, we can work together toward meeting our goal and creating a brighter future for youth in our community.”
The Youth Center will provide resources and guidance for all fundraisers. By pledging to raise $1,000 within 30 days in March, participants will become part of a collective effort to offer essential resources for community youth.
“Together, we are not just raising funds; we are shaping futures and building a brighter tomorrow for our youth,” said Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center.
This year’s One Grand Campaign Chair is Kevin Guetig, a Los Alamitos School District parent and active community member.
“I believe that it’s important to give back, and I think helping out organizations that help our youth is time well spent,” said Guetig, who has a background in finance as the Commercial Banking Manager for City National Bank.
A Seal Beach resident, Guetig served on the Los Alamitos Education Foundation board for six years and as chairman for three. Through LAEF, he connected with Youth Center representatives like Lumme and former Campaign Chair Tom Lent. His goal for this year’s One Grand Project is to exceed $100,000.
“[Having kids in LAUSD] definitely has made me much more aware of issues that I want to be involved in and try to make the district as good as it can be and offer kids as much opportunity as possible,” Guetig said.
The Youth Center offers scholarships for families in need and low-cost youth initiatives to enrich kids with fun, active, educational activities.
Among The Youth Center’s programs funded by the One Grand Project are Rascals, After School Academy, Girls in STEM, ViewU, Kids Night Out, Camp SHARK, Music Academy, tutoring, Every 15 Minutes, Night Among the Stars, and Leadership Academy.
“Get involved – help us out any way that you can. Investing in our youth is never a bad idea, and it is a way to ensure a strong and successful community down the road,” Guetig said.
The One Grand Project has raised $56,389 so far, over half of the $100,000 goal. Fundraisers will have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes and attend gatherings like the One Grand Project Kick-Off party on Feb. 29. Those who raise 75% or more of their fundraising goal will receive two free tickets to The Youth Center’s annual Casino Night on March 23. This year’s theme is “Casino Fiesta.”
“I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering dedication of our One Grand Project volunteers. Thank you for being the heartbeat of our mission since 1952,” Lumme said. “Your commitment to raising funds ensures that every child in our community has access to enriching programs and scholarships.”
