Welcoming everyone to this year’s Runway Rendezvous-themed gala to benefit the Gifford Youth Achievement Center, “Where Futures Take Flight,” board chairman Deborah Taylor-Long, Ed.D., advised guests to fasten their seatbelts for takeoff, promising them a fabulous journey and wonderful entertainment.
“We are truly honored to have you here tonight. This evening is a celebration not only of our mission, but of the generosity, commitment and belief shared by everyone in this room,” said Angelia Perry, GYAC executive director.
“Your presence means more than you know. It is a powerful reminder that when people come together with purpose, real and lasting change is possible. Because of your support, lives have been touched, opportunities have been created, and hope has been strengthened in ways that continue to ripple far beyond this room,” said Perry, before recognizing the generosity of sponsors, board members and guests.
A brief video highlighted the experience of one GYAC family, showcasing how their lives and those of many others have been improved.
The father and mother shared that their once shy daughter has become a social butterfly, even participating in last year’s play, and that she is also spending more time on her appearance and hair.
The daughter said that GYAC has helped her feel more confident. Initially finding it “kind of scary,” she said as she met more people it became exciting instead of scary. “This place gives us a brighter future because it makes you feel better about yourself and it makes you learn different things that you never knew before,” she said.
When their son became old enough, he followed in his sister’s footsteps, joining many of the same activities, such as swimming, tennis and acting.
The parents said they now consider GYAC as a second family, one with trusted staff who care about the children. “You can see the way that they treat them with love; that it’s absolutely a village,” said the mother.
“This is just one story of many in terms of the impact that we’re having on the lives of our students served by GYAC. I’m grateful that your support allows us to continue the mission that we started here in 1998,” said Perry, adding that GYAC is part of a larger village of parents, teachers, staff, donors and members of the community.
Perry then introduced Kevin Quillinan, Riverside Theatre’s director of education, who spoke about the partnership the theater has with GYAC.
Quillinan said that for the third year, they were pleased to take a group of GYAC and Riverside students to the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta. Each troupe performs 15 minutes from a Broadway Junior show and is judged by a panel of musical theater experts. This year there were more than 7,000 students from eight different countries around the world.
“It was another joyous occasion. It was very exciting,” said Quillinan. He added that three GYAC students had participated all three years and this was the second year for several others.
“So I love that each year we are building, building, building. Having that many kids in one place can be very overwhelming. But now that we have a very seasoned group coming from GYAC and Riverside as well, the kids are just fitting right in with everything.”
Quillinan said the cast had been wonderfully directed by Emily Olson, Riverside’s associate director of education, who was unable to attend that evening, but passed along how much she enjoyed working with them. He said the GYAC cast earned the Excellence in Acting Award, and said students Rhyen and Kadence were named JTF All-Stars.
The young thespians then delighted guests with a display of their talents, enthusiastically performing selections from “Annie JR.” Afterward, the evening concluded with folks heading to the dance floor for the ever-popular Silent Disco.
For the past 28 years, GYAC has provided after school and summer enrichment opportunities to students from kindergarten through grade 12. Additionally, adults and seniors take part in GYAC’s Beyond Special K program.
For more information, visit MyGYAC.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
