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Young Professionals raise more than $3,000 for Tahoe Youth & Family Services

Staff reports

Winter White was the theme at Tahoe Regional Young Professionals’ inaugural holiday party, which raised more than $3,000 for Tahoe Youth & Family Services on Nov. 19 at Riva Grill.

“I was speechless,” Heather Avila, TYFS Alcohol and Drug Counselor and The Girls Project Coordinator said. “It was an emotional moment for me. I have never seen generosity in such abundance.”

Guests sported their best winter white attire, enjoyed live music, holiday games, such as “wrap super stars” – competing for the best wrapped present and playing “name that holiday tune” for raffle tickets.



“So many businesses in the community came out not only to support the event but gave of their services and gifts for our raffle and silent auction,” Rebecca Wass, TRYP Founder and President said. “Then, all of a sudden the crowd’s voices picked up and there was a donation match, between Matt Wiggins’ from Corporate Nevada, Ltd., Erik Watada State Farm Insurance Agency, Maggie Wattle and Alisa Ashbaugh from Big Blue Spa Service and Repair and Todd Poth with Getaway Reno/Tahoe. It was so exciting.”

More than $2,000 was given to TYFS from the gift match alone.



“I truly did not expect a “gift war” … when someone told me what was going on I think I thought they were making it up,” Avila said. TRYP was able to cover the costs of the event and also donate $1,000 to TYFS.

“The initial idea of this party was to be located at a small venue and sponsor one family from Tahoe Youth & Family Services,” Wass said. “Since our last fundraiser that generated $540 for Christmas Cheer, we never expected the need get a bigger venue. As the excitement grew around the young professionals and the town, we realized this was not something to be taken lightly. I can’t say enough about our great volunteers who stepped up, made flyers, posters, tickets, spread the word through media and told their friends and family’s!”

In addition to taking care of one family in need, Avila said they plan to budget for more than 60 teens and 15 families and they are looking to budget for programs such as The Girls Project, alcohol and drug counseling, The Mentor Program and their drop in centers.


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