Stand Up And Support Homeless Youth In OC At Upcoming Gala

MISSION VIEJO, CA — There is an estimated 31,000 homeless youth between ages 12 and 24 throughout Orange County. On Sept. 25, Mission Viejo residents will have a chance to make a dent in that statistic. StandUp for Kids Orange County is hosting its 4th Annual Denim & Diamonds Gala, the nonprofit's biggest fundraiser of the year at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge in the garden.

The gala will feature live entertainment, food and drink, as well as the opportunity to make donations toward fighting youth homelessness in Orange County. There will also be an auction bosting more than 30 items, including Lakers tickets and a weeklong getaway to Paris. Attendees of the gala will get the chance to hear personal testimonies from the youth involved with StandUp for Kids, and learn more about the nonprofit's programs and services provided to the community.

StandUp for Kids provides housing insecure and homeless youth with basic needs, employment readiness, financial awareness and independence. In 2020, the nonprofit provided 3,525 meals and housed 130 youth, while supporting 330 youth overall. According to their website, 90 percent of high school seniors touched by the program graduated and went on to college or full-time employment. The national nonprofit was founded in 1990 has 20 chapters across the country.

"By providing these individuals with the appropriate resources, support and mentors, we're able to move them to a place of independence." Voluntary Advisory Board Member Nishant Kumar said in a statement.

The 4th Annual Diamonds & Denim Gala takes place Sept. 25 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge in the garden. All COVID-19 protocol will be followed, and ticket reservation details are posted on the nonprofit's website.