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Community Corner

Whiz Kids: Peace Out Gang Delivers to The Community

This week's Whiz Kids is a local group called Peace Out. It's a teen program that promotes giving and service to a nonprofit of their choice. Local youth gain community involvement in hopes of developing a life long desire to give back.

WHIZ KIDS/GROUP:   Peace Out

WHIZ KIDS & LEADER: Michelle McLean executive director,  currently 20-plus youth meet weekly at Merrill Gardens on 19th Street near University Place. 

WHIZ KID ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

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Peace Out is an after school program that inspires teens (age 11 to 18) to become philanthropists.  Each student gets the opportunity to work toward earning money that will be donated to the charity of their choice.  The cost for the eight-week program is $150, but the students only pay $50 and a  community sponsor is recruited that pays the other $100 for them.  The students send their sponsor two letters during the program thanking them for sponsoring them and letting them know what they are learning/how they are making a difference.  They also invite their sponsor to the awards banquet at the end of the program.  It’s a marvelous partnership for the student and local non-profit organizations.

Whiz Kids Awesomeness: This past weekend the peace out group held an Art Festival Fundraiser and it was a big success!  They had 20-plus students raise $1,604. The money raised will go to 16 local  non-profits. The students did everything from inviting the guests, making the invitations and flyers, planning the individual booths (bracelet making, hand-made jewelry for sale, coloring contests, origami, cookie and cupcake decorating, painting, bingo, fortune telling, sketches for sale) a silent auction, even a talent show. Along with the activities they recognized 18 local artists that make a difference in the community with their talents. What an excellent effort for this week's Whiz Kid Group, Peace Out. Check them out on the web at www.myPeaceOut.org

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Every community needs a programs that build youths self-esteem, while getting them involved in worthwhile activities. Peace Out gives teens experience, a sense of giving back and begins to develop responsible caring citizens.  Youth learn how to raise funds and donate money to a cause that is important to them.  What parents wouldn't want their son or daughter to be part of something that builds their children into responsible young adults in the community?

Know of a group, team, or youth that is a WHIZ KID (S)?  Submit your ideas to mmlybbert@aol.com.  We nominate weekly outstanding kids in University Place. 

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