UPDATE: Community Members Gather in CDM to Support Nonprofit

More than 200 community members gathered in Corona del Mar over the weekend to support a local nonprofit that teaches young people employment skills needed for financial independence. 

Youth Employment Service of the Harbor Area held its 37th Annual Roman Feast & Charity Auction at the OASIS Senior Center on Saturday. According to Kathy Du Vernet, the organization's executive director, the fundraiser generated approximately $55,ooo, which will go toward helping YES continue providing free employment training and life coaching to youths and young adults. 

For four decades, YES has served as a bridge between young job seekers and  the business community in CDM, Newport Beach and Costa Mesa,  seeking responsible young employees. Evie Compton, a local real estate agent, said she hired YES students to help her distribute fliers to homes in CDM and was pleased with their performance.

"It worked out very well. They covered a lot of territory in a short time and followed my instructions perfectly," Compton said.

YES has provided pre-employment training, job skills, job referrals and mentoring to more than 45,000 young people across Orange County. It is located at 114 E. 19th St., Costa Mesa.