Creativity, culinary arts, and commUNITY came together at the debut of ‘Create’, The Bridge for Youth’s new signature fundraising event. Together we set record-breaking attendance and fundraising goals as we infused art and food to support youth experiencing homelessness.

Guests arrived at the beautiful Hutton House where they were greeted with an assortment of elevated dishes from culinary artists. A beautiful charcuterie table was prepared by Fig & Bleu, ChowGirls presented a unique spread of small plate delights as well as a one-of-a-kind hummus paint pallet, and sweet treats were provided by Donut Trap and Patisserie 46.

Throughout the night we celebrated the arts with a gallery of work created by youth with lived experience. Our friends from Springboard for the Arts brought along the Streetcorner Letterpress Experience where guests used an antique letterpress machine to make affirmation postcards for youth in shelter.

The excitement grew as guests enjoyed the hits from co-host, DJ Sophia Eris while making bids on their favorite silent auction items. Feelings of excitement soon turned to empowerment as we heard a set from Known MPLS, an uplifting and passionate youth choir. Our host, comedian Shannan Paul then kicked us off into our powerful program, starting with our Legacy Awards.

For our third annual Legacy Award, we honored five staff who have upheld The Bridge for Youth’s legacy by being committed to the mission for over 10 years.

Our Legacy Award winners are Angela Alvarez (13 years, beginning as an intern and now HR & Admin Director), Felor Rostami (13 years, Youth and Family Advocate), Ramaa Hudnell (25 years, Youth and Family Advocate), Richard Bell (11 years, Youth and Family Advocate), and Sue Hostetler (11 years, Data & Evaluation Manager).

For over a decade, these staff showed up with courage and investment amid crisis, centered every youth’s voice, used their own voice to advance the mission, and loved youth when it feels for them that no one else does.

The Bridge for Youth President, Lisa Mears, Board Chair, Geoff Jones, and Youth Advisory Board Chair, Cody Wilkens, led us into an inspiring story from Taty, a current Youth Advisory Board Member and former youth in shelter.

“The love and care I received by the staff at The Bridge not only saved me, but it also inspired me,” Taty exclaimed as she spoke at the podium with her two boys at her side. “My boys are with me, and I can’t help but smile when I think of their futures and mine.”

Taty’s story inspired generosity as guests took part in our live auction and Fund-A-Need where guests enthusiastically committed to supporting The Bridge.

It was a beautiful night of commUNITY-based fundraising. Thanks to everyone in attendance, we raised the funds needed to ‘create’ spaces where all youth are safe, accepted, and supported.

It takes all of us to support youth experiencing homelessness. And there is still a lot of important work to be done. We invite you to continue to follow along on this journey. Click here to learn more and get involved!