The Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) Foundation celebrated the twelfth anniversary of the Shafer Giving Society and the legacy of the late Hamer and Phyllis Shafer at a luncheon held in the YOC Gymnasium on October 6, 2017. The Shafer Giving Society was formed in 2006 to honor donors who have made cumulative gifts of $1,000 or more. The theme of this year’s event was Transforming Together: The Next Chapter.

The Shafer Giving Society Luncheon program included a video which highlighted the work of three impactful programs on campus which helps children improve academic skills, learn and implement life skills and build healthy relationships with family and staff. Watch the video here:

“We are thankful for the generosity of Shafer Giving Society members and their ongoing support which provides children with the opportunities to reach their full potential,” shared Polly Craig, YOC Foundation Executive Director.

Keynote speaker, Mr. Kelly Stanley, YOC’s Transforming Together: The Next Chapter Campaign Chairman and YOC board member, spoke to the audience of more than 125 guests sharing his passion for the kids.

“Donna and I toured the YOC about five years ago and that day forever changed us. During the tour we saw a young boy and he grabbed my heart. I knew we needed to do something to help the kids at YOC and I agreed to chair the YOC’s first capital campaign.”

The Transforming Together: The Next Chapter campaign goal is to raise $4.25 million to enhance the innovative treatment programs, improve facilities and invest in the future of the YOC. Through the generous support of friends, community members, and loyal Shafer Giving Society members, the YOC will be successful in achieving its goal.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, attendees were invited to gather at the Shafer Giving Plaza to see the various giving levels recognized on the pillars and the Awakening Potential sculpture. Awakening Potential is the name of the statue that is the centerpiece of the YOC’s Shafer Giving Plaza. At its base are these inspiring words: “As a young person, under careful guidance, you can awaken to your unique life potential, like an emerging sprout in its process of becoming a tree.”