Indy race car driver JR Hildebrandt, LCCN Reporter Randy Economy and Master of Ceremonies David Cruz from KTLK AM 1150 attend the National Youth Guard Foundation Gala at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles last weekend.
With Pomp and Military precision the California National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, celebrated its inaugural California ChalleNGe Champions Gala last Saturday night at the historical Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
United States Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (Norwalk) and Senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana greeted hundreds of supporters during a red carpet arrival ceremony that included senior National Guard leaders, federal, state and local elected officials, corporate and community leaders, and National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program staff and cadets.
The annual gathering pays tribute to the California National Guard’s efforts to curb high school dropout rates throughout the state, backed by the Youth ChalleNGe Program. Rep. Napolitano serves as the “National Champion” for the cause in the US House of Representatives, while Sen. Landrieu oversees the cause in the US Senate.
The evening was hosted by talk radio host David Cruz, from KTLK AM 1150 and included a reception, a silent auction, followed by a dinner program with live entertainment and a live auction.
“The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program gives young people – particularly at risk teens – the chance to empower themselves through education. Our emphasis on stopping the high school dropout crisis is part of a broader campaign to allow adolescents to reach their full potential, backed by the resources we provide and a shared appreciation for lifelong learning,” Napolitano said in her remarks at the event.
“Tonight we honor the brave men and women who are saving lives of thousands of young people right here in our community,” Cruz told those gathered. “We have to wake up and start saving the lives of our children to the surge of drugs, and violence, and criminal activity,” said Cruz.
Here in California, two academies serve the entire state, helping more than 600 young people each year. One of the academies is stationed at the Los Alamitos Naval Station and the other is in Paso Robles.
United States Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (second from left) and Senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana (second from right) honored General James Gabrielli during the National Guard Youth Challenge Gala in front of hundreds of donors, celebrities, members of the military and media.
“To date, Youth ChalleNGe has graduated over 110,000 cadets. These are students who might otherwise have dropped out of school but instead were supported as they charted a newer, brighter path through life. The graduates of the Youth ChalleNGe program are committed, disciplined, and conduct their work with pride and focus. We should support this program and others like it to give more young people a path to higher education.”
Serving as a special fundraising advisor to the Gala was Rosemary Economy, of Cerritos. The event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, and was hailed as a “huge success” according to Tinkham. Napolitano and Cruz praised Economy’s efforts to “champion the cause that resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being raised from very special corporate friends and partners.”
During a live auction, Indy race car driver JR Hildebrandt and Kelly Perdue, the winner of The Apprentice on NBC with Donald Trump raised $42,000 for three winning bidders to enjoy a week at the 2013 Indianapolis 500 as well as an opportunity to ride with legendary race car driver Mario Andretti on the track at a speed of more than 200 miles per hour.
Also attending was Hollywood movie star, actor and producer Rick Schroeder, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
Cadets from the National Youth Guard Challenge Program get ready to enter the Gala at the Historic Biltmore Hotel.
The Grizzly Youth Academy in San Luis Obispo is a Western Association of Schools and
Colleges accredited charter school, administered by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, which provides a highly structured residential environment for young men and women who previously struggled in school due to academic, behavioral, attendance or personal reasons.
Napolitano pointed out that “working as individuals and in groups, students develop skills and characteristics to overcome the obstacles that held them back from being successful.”
The National Guard Bureau currently operates 34 programs in 27 states and Puerto Rico.
Independent studies by MDRC and the RAND Corporation have found the program significantly improves academic achievement, employability and income earning potential for youth who have previously dropped out of school.
According to THE RAND REPORT, cost-benefit analysis found every dollar expended on the program yields $2.66 in benefits, a 166 percent return on investment. More than 100,000 students have graduated from the 34 Youth ChalleNGe Programs.
The Foundation also works to raise awareness of the growing dropout crisis and its impact on the society, economy and national security.
“We are doing the work that is saving the lives of our young people,” Senator Landrieu told LCCN. “We are going to expand. We have to expand our efforts. This program works, and everyone needs to get involved.”
For more information about the National Guard Youth Foundation, please visit www.ngyf.org.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Thank you for helping spread the news about this wonderful program. We hope your article will reach another teen who needs a second chance in life. Sunburst is currently accepting applications for the class that starts in January, 2013. Come to the next orientation on 10/10/12 at 6 pm. Find us on Facebook for more info: http://www.facebook.com/sunburstyouthacademy
Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless, WMR-CANAS
$24.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight
$849.00 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
NTIERA Replacement Lid for Owala Freesip Water Bottle, Compatible with Owala Lid and Cap, Premium Accessories for 16oz 24oz 32oz 40oz Bottles,Leak-Proof,BPA-Free
$9.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Reusable Snack Containers with Lids 20Pcs,New Snack Containers,Snackle Box Container Portion Control,Snack Pack Containers,Double Compartment Snack Containers for On-the-Go Meals and Camping
$7.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SMUG Countertop Ice Maker, 9 Cubes in 6 Mins, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 2 Sizes of Bullet Ice, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Ice Machine with Handle, Basket and Scoop for Home Kitchen, Party, Camping(Classic Black)
$69.98 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AIPER Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, WavePath Navigation, Wall-Climbing, Quad-Motor, 150 mins Runtime for Inground Pools up to 1,600 sq.ft, ZT6002 (Renewed)
$399.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
WENHUI Funny Trump Mothers Day Card from Daughter, Son or kids, Hilarious & Heartfelt Message, Premium Quality Greeting Card for Mom, Grandmother or Wife, Ideal for Happy Birthday & Mother's Day Gift
$8.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Acer TravelMate TMB118-M-C80T Intel Celeron N4000 2 Core @ 1.10GHz 4GB 64GB eMMC, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
$89.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights
$21.99 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Saker Twister Arm Trainer, 40-100lb Adjustable Chest Workout Equipment, Arm Trainer, Twister Arm Trainer, Portable Power Twister Bar, Detachable Design Fitness Anywhere
$36.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Yes, very great night I am mom of two graduates mentor currently Cadet Lopez who spoke at the gala
And still no words yet can describe the gratitude and awesome community that I saw – all I have to say life is short we all deserve second chances – I continue to pray for all of us with hope for continued patience & love- thank you to all who attended for a memorable night – grateful mom & mentor
Mighty Patch™ Original patch from Hero Cosmetics - Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch for Covering Zits and…
$12.99 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2025 Bowman Baseball - Factory Sealed - Value Box
$29.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Monster Energy Zero Ultra, Sugar Free Energy Drink, 16 Ounce (Pack of 15)
$27.48 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30, 5 Quart
$24.97 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes,…
$8.98 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rain-X 820147 WeatherBeater, 26" and 16" Windshield Wiper Blades - All-Season OEM Quality, Conventional, Vehicle…
$25.99 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 30 oz | Twist On Lid and Flip Up Straw | Leak Resistant Water Bottle |…
$35.00 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Meta Quest 3S 128GB Renewed — Dive into Mixed Reality — Unreal Experiences — All-in-One Headset
$269.99 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker, Sorbet, Milkshake, Frozen Yogurt, Low Calories Program & More, 13-in-1, Soft Serve Handle, (2) CREAMi Swirl 16oz Pints, For Kids & ALL ages, NC701
$348.00 (as of May 6, 2025 17:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, Dual-Textured Facial Toner Pads for Exfoliation and Pore Care with 4.5% AHA Lactic Acid &…
$14.90 (as of May 6, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)