In celebration of the work of YouMeWe, a non-profit organization which has improved opportunities for underprivileged children through emotional and academic support programs, a gala dinner will be held. Attendees can expect a night of entertainment and enlightenment through a series of videos and presentations, accompanied by food and music. During the evening, the NPO hopes to raise awareness of its distinctive approach to aiding all children, regardless of their financial situation, and expanding their horizons.
YouWeMe’s Mission: Transforming Young Lives
YouWeMe is a non-profit organization which works to level the playing field for children who have been deprived of parental support, or do not have the financial backing that can guide them through life. Anchored in that philosophy, YouMeWe has developed methods to nurture these children and prepare them for bright futures, featuring a series of programs to stimulate them academically and emotionally. These programs are geared to encourage digital literacy, in recognition of the importance of this skill in a 21st-century world. Collectively, these programs work to achieve YouMeWe’s cardinal mission: to lead these children to either attending university or technical school, or securing a decent job by the age of 18.
Learn more about YouMeWe: here
Gala Event
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On November 21, YouMeWe will host a gala to celebrate the organization’s effort, to thank donors and volunteers for their contributions, and recognize some of the children that the organization supports. Upon entering the 22nd floor of the Salesforce Japan building, guests will be presented with spectacular views of the Imperial Palace and Gardens. The floor is named the Ohana Floor, which is the Hawaiian word for family and is a fitting setting for how YouWeMe is redefining the concept. Along with music, videos, and presentations showcasing the different skills the organization teaches, a spotlight will be placed on the Mark Bell Scholarship Fund, which supports children’s tuition costs. The dress code for the event will be semi-formal.
The night will culminate with a silent auction and raffle, during which attendees can win a variety of prizes. YouMeWe also encourages recommendations for other items to include during the silent auction and raffle, and welcomes any items from attendees who wish to offer them.
The items being auctioned include:
- Sapphire and diamond earrings
- A Freddie Mercury giclée limited edition print
- A vacation stay in Vienna for four nights, for two guests
- A microphone signed by Taylor Swift
- A vacation stay on the Amalfi Coast for three nights, for four guests
- A framed football signed by Christiano Ronaldo
- 5-star Singapore F1 GP 2024 tickets for two people
- Five nights at a Niseko slope-side chalet for eight
- Signed and framed Metallica guitar
Presentations & Speeches
Virtuous Spiral 5-Year Plan
This gala marks YouMeWe’s conclusion of its Virtual Spiral 5-year plan, which is dedicated to ensuring children’s health and technology skills. Launched in 2019, the plan consists of five concentrations:
- Education: Mentoring, certification, navigation
- Health: Prevention, diagnoses, treatment
- Access: Resources, connectivity, networking
- Security: Person, property, data
- Results: A job, creativity, innovation, giving back, retirement
Founder Michael Clemons explained that this program has seen dramatic success: “When we started in this space 5 percent of the homes had Wi-Fi access and I think that 100 percent have access now. Only 9 percent would go on to college vs the national average of 60 percent and that figure is well into the double digits now. The 35 percent who were two grade levels behind their peers is a group that we realize we need to continue to help either through scholarships, coaching, or recruitment.”
Empower Village
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSwkPNY-qSE
YouWeMe recognizes the lasting impact its volunteers have on these young people. Acknowledging this responsibility, Clemons emphasizes that “it is very important to be consistent in the children's lives while they live with principals who retire and staff who rotate. In many ways, YouMeWe is the only consistency they have had in their lives over the years into adulthood.” Based on the adage that “it takes a village to raise a child,” the harmony of a collective support system of volunteers who have a resounding impact on children’s lives will be introduced at the gala as “Empower Village.”
The Mark Bell Scholarship Fund
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Posthumously named after Mark Alan Bell, in recognition of his service and philanthropy, the Mark Bell Scholarship Fund’s prime mission is to cover the financial needs of underprivileged children in their post-secondary education. During the evening, YouMeWe hopes to bring awareness to the work and impact this fund has on its beneficiaries, as well as collecting funds.
At this upcoming “FUNraiser,” YouMeWe wants attendees to understand the necessity of their work. Clemons explained: “We hope to continue to raise awareness on how people can share their time and skill sets.” For Clemons, these support systems and the impact of a caring adult presence are priceless, and at the heart of the organization’s mission.
YouMeWeNPO FUNraiser
Date: Tuesday, November 21
Venue: Ohana Floor, Salesforce Japan Building, 1-1-3, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Price: ¥15,000–30,000
Tickets: https://3007.zaiko.io/item/359859
Recommended: The KIWL Go-Go 30-Day Run or Walk Challenge for Charity and Discover Japan's World-Class Powder Snow at Appi Kogen Ski Resort
Jake Benjamin Roiter
