SEMINOLE/ORANGE COUNTY – Vibrant Families (VFAM), the charitable organization mentoring at-risk youth and fatherless young men, will host the first annual “Building Brighter Futures Benefit Gala” Friday, Oct. 25 from 6:30 to 10:30 at Heathrow Legacy Country Club.
The dedicated non-profit, completing its second full year of providing nurturing environments where young boys feel valued and motivated, has now expanded their programs into two more schools, including one in Orange County.
VFAM Founder and President Pastor Kenneth Clark said local business and civic leaders will be on hand at the gala event that begins with cocktails from 6:30-7:00, followed by a lavish buffet dinner with plated salad and plated dessert. Live and Silent Auctions will be among the highlights of the gala and an early raffle of a special VIP table for the night.
Ramces Rouzard of Rouzard Studios will emcee while VIPs and officials of some of VFAM’s prominent area business supporters and sponsors will address the gathering which is expected to reach 150.
The event is key to reaching the 501 (3)(c) charitable organization’s 2024 fundraising goal of $250,000 to facilitate the expansion of its programs of mentorship for about 85 students in three schools – up from one – tripling its impact in the region.
Since spring of 2022 Pastor Clark and his mentoring team of diverse role models have been mentoring up to 50 students of Sanford’s Hamilton Elementary. Focusing on education, inspiring self-confidence and introducing new experiences they witnessed their growth and achievements.
Seminole County Public Schools reported a growth of 30 percent in academic achievement by the Hamilton students who have participated in VFAM’s programs, along with improved school attendance and reduced misconduct.
This semester VFAM added their mentoring programs at two more schools – Millennium Middle School in Sanford and Hungerford Elementary in Eatonville in Orange County.
“It is incredibly inspiring to witness the progress of these young men,” Clark said, adding “We are motivated for our expansion and helping more at-risk and fatherless boys advance and achieve those goals. At the same time we’re showing them how to serve their community someday.”
Pastor Clark was a fatherless child until adopted at age 13 and his experiences of hardship fueled his desire and tenacity to help children in similar tough situations recognize their worth and develop self-confidence.
Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now at https://donorbox.org/events/678792
Individual event tickets are $75; VIP tickets at $150 include pre-reception access. Sponsorships – from $1,000 to $20,000 – include premium amenities such as extended logo signage, print materials and website displays.
The Heathrow Legacy Country Club is located at 1200 Bridgewater Drive in Lake Mary. Clark said: “This will be a very special event that will feature a live DJ, auctions of fantastic, donated items like rounds of golf, a weekend stay at a major hotel and more.
“We strongly believe that we don’t have any ‘bad kids’ but rather ‘uninspired kids.’ They need direction, mentors and exposure to life’s possibilities. We are doing generational work, and plan to continue expanding our circle of influence, to keep building brighter futures.”
