The results are in for Just Say YES’s 11th Annual Celebration (Hybrid) Event that was held on Tuesday, April 20. Thanks to a $100,000 match challenge, the evening’s net was a whopping $379,423.02.
And it’s no wonder, with in-person “Pod Parties” high atop the Hilton Anatole in the SER restaurant enjoying the view and a steak dinner. For those who chose the “comfort of their home,” they received “a luxury Party Box filled with popcorn kits and delicious treats, a bottle of wine and Just Say YES branded swag” to attend the program virtually. One group enjoyed the evening at the home of longtime Just Say YES supporters Tavia and Clark Hunt that included Celebration Honorary Co-Chairs Sarah and Thad Smith.
The highlight of the evening was keynote speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby, who managed to be on screen as well as at the Anatole and the Hunts’ party. He reminded all, “I believe Just Say YES shows young people the biggest picture of what can be; of what can happen; of what is possible. Let us all do our part to make this world a better place one child at a time.”
In addition to Rick, there were “appearances by Thomas Jefferson High School Principal Sandi Massey, former Just Say YES peer-to-peer mentoring student Uduak Nkanga, who received the first Keith Davis U-Turn Award, and Coach Avery Johnson Youth Impact Awardees Kellye and Jeff Price.
Just Say YES Founder/President Dan Bailey told the hybrid gathering, “Today’s youth especially need programs like Just Say YES to give them hope and connection, and we are grateful to those who are making an impact in students’ live by supporting our mission.”
* Photo credit: Jacob Alves Photography ** Photo provided by Just Say YES