Voices

On November 7 at the Torrance Marriott Hotel, ShareFest’s supporters and constituents will gather to let their voices be heard at the sixth annual Evening of Community Fundraiser. Every ShareFest participant has a unique story, whether it’s forging connections with students during a service project or finding a new direction for life at the Youth Development Academy.

Here, we invite you to share your experience with ShareFest and join us on November 7.

Please leave a comment on this page telling your personal story or one you’ve witnessed and learn more about our fundraiser by clicking here.

Here are a few stories and quotes from ShareFest participants:

One of my highlights was watching Eric, a younger member of my team as well as a student who has not yet hit his growth spurt, sink almost every one of his shots to win first place out of 40 students in one of our basketball competitions. Not only this, but when he was playing with other students, he would get almost every rebound, dart down the court, and then pass it to another student so that he or she could make the shot. Wow!!! This young man has a bright future and is already making our world a better place!

—James Petitfils, Youth Development Academy counselor

The first day they’re there, they’re crying because they’re homesick. The last day they’re there, they’re crying because they don’t want to leave.

—Nick Temple, Youth Development Academy lifeguard

This year, we had the privilege of working at my daughter’s school – she is a kindergartener at Hickory Elementary in Torrance. Because the investment this year felt more “personal” – it really made it a special time.

This is our fifth year being involved in the Workday. Each year has its own special flare, but this year may have topped the charts. We had a team of about 45 people – painting, doing fence repair, building shelving, washing windows, etc. My daughter spent the whole day with us – 8 hours (though she did do her fair share of playing too, a bonus to being at her school!). She helped paint, wash windows, pick up trash.

I feel like it gave her a greater sense of pride in her school. Also, in my role as project manager, she asked me a couple times “Mommy, are you the boss today?” I hope that this is a way that she can see my support and love for her school.

— Victory, Workday volunteer and project leader

Let your own voice be heard by leaving a reply below.