Urban Individuals dance group won the Gleek Out Competition at the Youth Fest 2011 held in Skinner's Plaza in Hagatna.
Months of planning, and anticipation lead up to April 30, 2011 when Sanctuary, Incorporated hosted its first ever Youth Fest. This island wide event was designed to celebrate Guam’s youth and to serve as one of the major fundraising events for Sanctuary, Inc. The day started with a resolution presentation by Senator Chris Duenas. Then, Senator Duenas along with Senator B.J. Cruz, Senator Sam Mabini, Senator Fank Blas, and Senator Tony Ada presented legislative certificates to the four individuals who were named Youth of the Year. Immediately after this, the fun and games ensued.
One of the biggest hits was the free trolley rides and tours of Historic Hagatna. All nine tours were full and it was a great way for youth and their families to learn about the historical sites of the village. Other crowd favorites were the free “Rock Wall” challenge by the National Guard Counter Drug program and the dunking booth. Some of the performers were challenged to do the climb “Australian style” but only a few were brave enough to take on the challenge. When attendees were not enjoying one of the free activities, attempting to win a prize at one of the fair booths, or racing down the street in one of the scoot cars, they were probably watching the awesome performances by our island’s talented youth. Many groups signed up to compete in the ‘Gleek Out’ and ‘Battle of the Bands’ competitions. This year, our judges had their work cut out for them because the amount of talent displayed was enormous. The fight for the cash prize and the crown as Youth Fest 2011 Champions was intense. Crowds of people watched and cheered on their favorites. Hundreds of people were treated to the rhythmic sounds of the bands and the intricate choreography of the dance performances. By the end of the night, one thing was certain: Guam’s youth “Got Talent!”
Many of our sponsors and other youth groups were present throughout the event to educate our island’s youth about the services and alternatives that were available to them. More than this, we were able to raise a little under $30,000, not including the over $50,000 of in-kind donations which helped to make Youth Fest an educational and fun filled day. We are dedicated to our mission of “Helping Youth and Families Help Themselves” and it is our goal to provide services to all who need them. The funds raised will assist Sanctuary, Inc. maintain the services and residential programs we provide to our island’s youth including COED, Transitional Living Program, and Sagan Na’Homlo. What we raised with your help is a start. But it addresses only a small part of our organization’s budget, and there are many island youth who need our services whom we have yet to reach. As a non-profit we are grateful for the community support that has been extended to Sanctuary, Inc. in the past as we are very dependent on community contributions.
If you were unable to make it this year, look forward to Youth Fest 2012. The ‘Gleek Out’ and ‘Battle of the Bands’ competitions are going to be fierce; this year’s champions will fight hard to defend their titles. If you are involved with a youth group of non-profit, Youth Fest 2012 can be an excellent way to reach a different population. For more information about Youth Fest, our sponsors, and the Youth of the Year winners, visit our website at www.sanctuaryguam.org. Our website is also a place you can visit to see pictures of Youth Fest, learn more about our services, and make a contribution. Thank you to everybody that has helped to make Youth Fest a success. See you next year!
