California Youth Connection (CYC) Celebrates 25th Year of Giving a Voice to Foster Youth
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 15, 2013 -- California Youth Connection, the first organization to give foster youth a voice in the legislative process on laws regarding foster care, will celebrate its 25th anniversary on October 16th, at its 4th Annual Culinary Inspirations Event, at the Old Mint Building, San Francisco.
Two CYC “Legend” awards will be presented at the event, including San Francisco’s former Board of Supervisor and current Senator, Mark Leno. Senator Leno was chosen because of his dedication and strong support of foster care and child welfare issues. Past CYC Legend Legislators include President Pro Tem Darryl Steinberg (Sacramento) and Congress Woman Karen Bass (Los Angeles).
“For a quarter century, CYC youth members have advocated for a better child welfare system by sharing their stories with hundreds of legislators and policymakers,” said Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco. “I applaud CYC for empowering countless foster youth and ensuring their voices are heard in the Capitol.”
Also receiving the CYC Legend Award is Janet Knipe. She is the founding executive director of CYC. Three years ago, she left CYC to become the executive director of Foster Youth In Action (the national organization CYC helped start).
"Janet was CYC's first staff person and will forever be a legend in our hearts and minds," said Carlos Collard, CYC's Board President. "We are proud of her, as she continues to innovate and break new ground by taking foster youth-led advocacy to a national level."
Culinary Inspirations teams 15 renowned local chefs, who have volunteered their time, with a current or former foster youth to create a unique tasting experience for event attendees. Funds raised at the event are used to enable foster youth to advocate state and local legislators on issues surrounding foster care and child welfare.
Tickets for the 2013 Culinary Inspirations on Oct 16th at The Old Mint building in San Francisco can be purchased at http://culinaryinspirations2013.eventbrite.com/.
Jacque Lindemann, California Youth Connection, (415) 442-5060 12, [email protected]
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