Renton Youth Advocacy Center (RYAC) is holding a fundraising gala on Saturday, April 23.

RYAC opened in September 2013 with the goal of giving Renton youth a safe place to gather directly after school. They are open for drop-in youth from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Tiffany Park center, 1902 Lake Youngs Way SE, in Renton, WA.

They offer mentoring to promote self-worth and build authentic relationships, tutoring for academic success, volunteer opportunities in the community to instill a sense of citizenship, and healthy activities. The center is managed and operated by an all-volunteer board and staff, and includes a youth board member from one of our Renton high schools.

Although only in their second year, RYAC has been able to grow their programs through the generosity of volunteers and donors. Some of the programs directly supported by our gala proceeds are school supplies and backpacks that our students earn with homework credits, healthy after school snacks, a bike safety program, summer basketball camp, and Thanksgiving dinners for needy youth and their families.

Funds raised at the event will support expanding days and hours RYAC is open and create additional programs for youth.

The gala is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St.