VYAS Successfully Hosts 2023 Youth Starry Night Gala to Support Youth Mental Health

Vancouver, BC – September 1, 2023 – On the evening of September 1, the Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS) successfully hosted the 2023 Youth Starry Night Gala at the Paradox Hotel in Vancouver. This annual charity event gathered 300 guests, garnered support from more than 50 sponsors and donors, received coverage from 20 media. All these efforts were aimed at raising crucial funds for the "Youth Leadership & Resiliency Program" (LRP) of the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

LRP is a school- and community-based program for students that enhances youths’ internal strengths and resiliency while preventing involvement in substance use and violence. Over the past year, VYAS has actively supported the LRP program as part of our commitment to enhancing youth mental health. Through twelve months of fundraising efforts, we are delighted to announce that we have successfully raised a total of $81,800 at the culmination of this year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed special guests who graced the evening with their presence and unwavering support, without which this event would not have been possible:

· PARM BAINS, MLA

· Michael Lee, MLA Yew Wah Lee, Vancouver Langara Councillor

· Richmond City Councillor Chak Au Au Chak Kwong

· Alfred Chien Yuk-Ting Chien School Board Member, Vancouver School Board

· Kitty Cheung, Associate Director at VGH&UBC Hospital Foundation

As we reflect on this evening's success, our hope is that the 2023 Youth Starry Night Gala will continue to spark greater awareness within our community about the critical issue of youth mental health. Together, klet's light up the starry sky and continue on the journey of love!

For media inquiries or more information about the Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS), please contact Info@thavyas.org.

About Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS)

Vancouver Youth Advocacy Society (VYAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the well-being of youth in the Vancouver community. Through various programs and initiatives, VYAS aims to provide support, guidance, and resources to empower young individuals, ensuring they have access to opportunities for personal growth and mental well-being.