News
Larkin Street Youth Services is Paving the Way for Homeless Youth
by Daniel DeBolt
Mountain View Voice
Published 3/10/2008
Larkin Street Youth Services hosted its sixth annual Paving the Way Gala benefit on Leap Year Day, February 29, 2008 raising over $500,000 in unrestricted funding for homeless youth in San Francisco. Nearly 400 guests attended the dinner, silent and live auction held at The Ritz-Carlton – San Francisco which honored and celebrated Larkin Street Youth Services’ dedication to providing housing and support services including emergency shelter, education, employment & technology training, health care, and case management for thousands of homeless and runaway youth.
Guests at the Paving the Way event were particularly inspired by one of the evening’s speakers: Tyrone. Tyrone is a resident of Larkin Street’s LEASE program for emancipated Foster Care Youth and is successfully living off the streets after having received help through Larkin Street’s housing and support programs. Tyrone shared with Gala attendees his struggles growing up in the foster care system and trying to make it on his own at age 18. With a Larkin Street college scholarship and supportive housing he has been able to maintain an excellent GPA at City College and is currently applying to Stanford University. "Larkin Street became my home. It is helping me realize my dreams," said Tyrone.
Barbara Bass Bakar, community philanthropist and founder of achieve, was presented at the Paving the Way event with the Anne B. Stanton Award for her extraordinary leadership and dedication to Bay Area youth. Sherilyn Adams, Executive Director, Larkin Street Youth Services emphasized Barbara Bass Bakar's longstanding commitment to youth services. "We were honored to be able to recognize Barbara's incredible work providing college educations for underserved youth," Adams said. "Larkin Street's annual Paving the Way Gala offers a chance for the entire Larkin Street community - from staff and clients to donors and volunteers - to come together in a spirit of celebration and support for our youth. This important fundraising event underscores Larkin Street's critical role in supporting youth programs in San Francisco."
For additional information about Larkin Street, please visit www.larkinstreetyouth.org and view Paving the Way Event photos.
