Growing up the youngest of five my middle brother was a bit of an idol of mine. Still is... but don't tell him I said so.
Next Thursday, March 28, he will be joining over 75 other business and community leaders in Burlington, Vermont sleeping out to raise awareness and money for homeless youth. This is at least the second year in a row he has done this.
His facebook message says...
"I'm sleeping out in downtown Burlington, VT on March 28th (regardless of how cold it is!) to bring attention to the plight of homeless youths. There are too many in Vermont. I'm going to be uncomfortable for only one night - while homeless youths may be out in the bitter cold for many... I'm doing this along with more than 75 other business and community leaders. Please sponsor my sleep-out by clicking on the link. Your donation will support the efforts of Spectrum Youth and Family Services in providing housing, counseling, education, a jobs program and more for homeless and at-risk youths. I can personally attest to the very effective work Spectrum does. Thanks!"
And he asks for our support for this worhty cause. I likewise ask for your support for him in this worthy cause.
Spectrum's Sleep Out
As David says, there are too many young homeless kids in Vermont. As I'm sure you know this is not a problem isolated to Burlington or to Vermont nor to youth. This is just opportunity to make a real difference.
Vermont is a very small state but he says...
Homelessness is on the rise in Vermont. According to the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness, it is estimated that Vermont has 4,000 homeless individuals and families.
From Spectrum's about page:
Since 1970, Spectrum Youth & Family Services has been serving Vermont by helping at-risk youth and their families. In 2012, we served more than 3,000 young people and their families by providing meals, housing, and support services including education support, employment training, substance abuse and mental health counseling, life skills training, and more.
We serve youth from all over Vermont. We work one-on-one with each young person (ages 14-21) that walks through our doors. Our philosophy is never to give up; we are their advocates, and we give youth first chances, second chances, and third chances.
For more information, please visit www.spectrumvt.org
And the event information page:
Event Information:
On March 28, 2013 Spectrum Youth & Family Services is holding its Second Annual Spectrum's Sleep Out! 75 top business and community leaders are joining together to help raise awareness of youth homelessness. These remarkable participants will be spending the night sleeping outside as a show of solidarity to the many clients that we serve who have experienced homelessness. Through the support of friends, family and colleagues, these leaders will help Spectrum raise $150,000 to help youth and families throughout Vermont.
Event Location:
Unitarian Church of Burlington 152 Pearl Street, Burlington, Vermont
Need directions? Click here for a map
Event Schedule:
Participant Check-in 3/28/2013 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Dinner and Remarks 3/28/2013 9:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Set-up 3/28/2013 11:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Sleep Out 3/28/2013 11:30 pm - 3/29/2013 6:00 am
Breakfast 3/29/2013 6:30 am - 7:00 am
Fees:
Participant: No Fees
General Registration
It's a great cause and a great opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of seriously at risk youths.
If you can please contribute what you can. Every little bit helps.
But whatever you do don't tell him I sent you and for Gods sake! Don't tell him I'm proud of him for doing this!
Spectrum's I'm Sleeping OUt!