Supporters of Youth Job Center (YJC) celebrated a year of growth and expansion last weekend at the agency’s 2017 Annual Gala helping YJC surpass its fundraising goal for the event.

The event, held at the Ravenswood Event Center in Chicago, featured client speakers sharing their experiences at YJC. The agency also presented an award to its partner, Gap, Inc., for the This Way Ahead program, which connects youth to paid retail internships.

Over 250 guests attended the event, including State Senator Daniel Biss, Wells Community Academy principal Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri, Sullivan High School principal Chad Adams, Evanston Township High School principal Dr. Marcus Campbell, and Gage Park High School principal Brian Metcalf. YJC has permanent satellite offices and career advisors at each of these high schools.

The agency netted over $80,000 in sponsorships for the event

.