Peace Out, News And Updates

Earlier this year we featured teen philanthropist group, Peace Out as our .

This gave us a chance to boast about all of the good some of our local youth has been up to. Peace Out, in particular, is an inspiring, local group bent on bringing recognition to local nonprofits and getting the kids involved.

Peace Out has since gained recognition from other local publications.  This is a movement going in the right direction and making a difference in so many lives.

Tonight, at 7 p.m. at The Villas Retirement Community, there will be a giant check presentation for the summer course. Rather than simply being a celebration of the funds raised by all of the teens for their chosen nonprofit, a sad note will hang in the air.

Saturday morning one of Peace Out's participants, Billy Shirley III, died in a senseless, violent act over the weekend. KOMO News covered it (Click here to view KOMO's story of the tragedy)

With no arrest having been made yet, the community that knew Billy, a student, remains heartbroken, having lost such a wonderful soul.

(Click here to read The News Tribune's story on Shirley)

Tonight is an opportunity to show support to both mourners and toward all the work the teens have done this summer to raise funds and recognition.

Many of the participants had a busy summer volunteering. They included, helping to build a community garden with the Tacoma Narrows Rotary, lending a hand for a toy drive for Toy Rescue Mission, participating in a charity scavenger hunt to collect items for the FISH bank, the Humane Society, REACH, Toy Rescue Mission and Stand Up for Kids, and addressing envelopes for National Night Out Car wash for Hilltop artists for Safe Streets.

Oh yes. I can't forget the benefit carnival held earlier this month. Face painting, carnival games and more were set up at The Villas with every dollar raised to benefit the nonprofits.

Whew. Now THAT is a busy summer.

But that's not all. Thirty-three teens from 10 different schools participated in the summer session of Peace Out held at the Villas retirement community. More than $2,500 was raised and donated to the nonprofits listed below:

Habitat for Humanity
Toy Rescue Mission
Hilltop Artists
Tacoma Art Place
Autism Speaks
Gloria’s Angels
Oasis
Tree House
Light the Night
Humane Society
Stand Up for Kids
KGHP
Youth United
Peace Out
Boys and Girls Club
NW Furniture Bank

Soon, Peace Out will be setting up headquarters next-door to Affairs Cafe on Bridgeport, right here in UP.

Another non-profit gem here in town undoubtedly will help University Place flourish and engage our youth to do the same.