Inaugural California ChalleNGe Champions Gala
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Los Angeles, CA
The inaugural California ChalleNGe Champions Gala was a tremendous success and raised thousands of dollars for the two California programs - Grizzly and Sunburst. We were honored to be joined by so many distinguished individuals and companies who came out to show their support.
The evening included a reception, silent and live auction, and a dinner program that featured graduates, elected officials and celebrities who support the ChalleNGe Program. The event was emceed by KTLK 1150AM's David Cruz, and guest speakers included U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano, California State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, and former Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Craig McKinley. Grizzly graduate Matt Durham and current Sunburst cadet Sebreanna Lopez shared their stories with the audience. We were also joined via Skype by Sunburst graduate Melissa Gastelum, who is currently deployed in Afghanistan.
Click here to read a write-up in the Los Cerritos Community Newspaper about the event.
Since 1998, the California National Guard has helped thousands of teenagers who had previously struggled in school due to academic, behavioral or personal reasons develop leadership, coping and academic skills through its Youth ChalleNGe Program. Want to find out more about the ChalleNGe Program? Click the image below.
