Young Life, a non-denominational Christian ministry that mentors adolescents and teenagers through leadership training, weekly clubs and relationship-building exercises, is holding its annual fundraiser this week.
The event is Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Flathead Lake Inn & Suites on U.S. 93 south of Kalispell.
There will be a chance to hear from students, volunteer leaders and committee members explaining what Young Life is and why it provides an important and positive influence to middle school and high school students in the Flathead Valley, according to organizers.
The local club was established over 10 years ago and is under the leadership of staff associate Tim Herset, who grew up in Kalispell, and his team of 15 leaders. More than 50 kids are currently involved in Young Life’s weekly clubs.
Young Life is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has local chapters across the world. Last year more than 135,000 kids were involved in weekly clubs across the U.S., a 20 percent increase since 2009. The organization, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., teams up kids with mentors who participate in summer and winter camps, community outreach programs and regular gatherings.
This week’s fundraising event will help support the local club’s year-round efforts, according to organizers.
“There will be people who know a lot about Young Life, but this is also a great event for anyone who has ever heard of Young Life to come see what it’s all about,” Herset said. “Our goal for the evening is to raise the necessary funds to keep Young Life operating in Kalispell and help provide students with opportunities to go to Young Life camp.”
For more information about Young Life in the Flathead Valley, visit the Kalispell Young Life website or call Herset at 471-0103.