Young Professionals’ raise more than $3,000 for Tahoe Youth & Family Services (SLIDESHOW)

By Rebecca Wass
Winter White was the theme at Tahoe Regional Young Professionals’ (TRYP) inaugural holiday party raising more than $3,000 for Tahoe Youth & Family Services (TYFS) on Saturday, November 19 at Riva Grill.

“I was speechless,” Heather Avila, TYFS Alcohol and Drug Counselor and The Girls Project Coordinator said. “It was an emotional moment for me. I have never seen generosity in such abundance!”

Guests sported their best winter white attire, enjoyed live music, holiday games, such as “wrap super stars” – competing for the best wrapped present and playing “name that holiday tune” for raffle tickets. While attendees also purchased raffle tickets they placed their bids on silent auction items.

“So many businesses in the community came out not only to support the event but gave of their services and gifts for our raffle and silent auction,” Rebecca Wass, TRYP Founder and President said. “Then, all of a sudden the crowd’s voices picked up and there was a donation match, between Matt Wiggins’ from Corporate Nevada, Ltd., Erik Watada State Farm Insurance Agency, Maggie Wattle and Alisa Ashbaugh from Big Blue Spa Service and Repair and Todd Poth with Getaway Reno/Tahoe. It was so exciting!”

More than $2,000 was given to TYFS from the gift match alone.

“I truly did not expect a “gift war” … when someone told me what was going on I think I thought they were making it up,” Avila said. “It really stretches our [TYFS] abilities to utilize our funding. To see people competing to give, it showed me that they really believe in the work we do and care about the families we serve. The gift war alone brought in amounts far exceeding any of our previous Christmas budgets.

TRYP was able to cover the costs of the event and also donate $1,000 to TYFS.

“The initial idea of this party was to be located at a small venue and sponsor one family from Tahoe Youth & Family Services,” Wass said. “Since our last fundraiser that generated $540 for Christmas Cheer, we never expected the need get a bigger venue. As the excitement grew around the young professionals and the town, we realized this was not something to be taken lightly. I can’t say enough about our great volunteers who stepped up, made flyers, posters, tickets, spread the word through media and told their friends and family’s! Now, TYFS can really stretch their dollars to meet the vital needs of their programs.”

In addition to taking care of one family in need, Avila said they plan to budget for more than 60 teens and 15 families and they are looking to budget for programs such as The Girls Project, alcohol and drug counseling, The Mentor Program and their drop in centers.

“I’m encouraged by events like this and groups like TRYP. It makes me believe in our community,” Avila said. “Tahoe Youth and Family Services is proud to support TRYP as it continues to grow.”

On a personal note, having grown up in this community … I was pleasantly surprised and excited to see some extraordinary young professionals taking time to make a difference.”

About Tahoe Regional Young Professionals
Tahoe Regional Young Professionals “Changing Tahoe” is a group of forward thinking individuals who believe in giving back to the community that has provided an inspirational place to work, live, play and prosper – Lake Tahoe. By connecting Tahoe's next generation to help better their community, the young professionals organize and participate in charity FUNdraisers, networking events and provide career opportunities to help support Tahoe residents and businesses.

— Rebecca Wass is President of Tahoe Regional Young Professionals.