Friends of Youth Celebrates 60 Years!

23Mar11

“We love our video!”

-Terry Pottmeyer, Chief of Program Operations

Last Friday, at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, WA, Friends of Youth hosted their 6^th Annual Luncheon, “Celebration of Youth.” The event served as both a joyous culmination, and a new fundraising benchmark… as well as hosting the premiere screening of our newest long form video collaboration:

Our Seattle-based executive producer, Val Thomas-Matson, shares a bit about the experience:

“Imagine the clamor of over 500 people gathered in the modern-day Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom; poised to hear about the success of young people recovering from the obstacles of homelessness, drug addiction and teen parenting. You can hear the warm laughter and the busy sound of silverware on china.  Soon, the Master of Ceremonies returns to the microphone to regale everyone’s attention. It reminds me of my parents turning down the volume on my old record player, while I’m dancing around and singing my heart out- and screeeeetch-stillness! Everything comes to a jolting stop. And then came the magic; the new Friends of Youth Video began. The audience fell into a hush, as cozy as snuggling up into a down comforter.”

If you couldn’t tell, we love having the opportunity to see our video productions put to use, especially at an anticipated premiere event. There is nothing like seeing those reactions firsthand. Not to mention, watching that reaction further motivate people’s generosity: Friday’s fundraising event generated over $150,000!

Reflecting back on the shooting experience, producer Kim Cosgrove had this to say:

“With Friends of Youth, the variety of services that they make available, and the diversity of youth that they support is just incredible. And the people behind-the-scenes at Friends of Youth are so dedicated, it has been such a privilege to collaborate with them.”

We’ve had a great relationship with Friends of Youth, creating two videos for them over the past year with a third in development. Here are a few Friends of Youth staff reactions to seeing the video:

“The video was engaging; it was tight and told the Friends of Youth story in a cohesive, positive and personal way.”

– Asa Irwin, Major Donor Officer

“The video made it easy to share our story with our guests. It outlined our mission, shared our history. It helped our audience to see and experience what we are asking them to support”

-Zoe Finkelstin, Development Associate

Here is their previous video, completed in March 2010:

Friends of Youth is located on the East Side of King County, and this year they plan on supporting over 6000 youth. They generously provide: Homeless Youth Services, Residential Youth Treatment, Youth and Family Services and Healthy Start, a program for teen moms. Find out more at: www.friendsofyouth.org

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Tags: 60th anniversary, asa irwin, celebration, commitment, community, foster parenting, friends of youth, fundraising, homeless, luncheon, nonfiction, nonprofit, NXNW, people's stories, single moms, support, teens, terry pottmeyer, transitional housing