The October 2008 Say Yes to Youth community picnic was a huge success! Hundreds of people from Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo joined us in Island Park on one of the most beautiful Saturdays in recent memory. Under sunny skies, a smiling army of ready volunteers fanned out, pasting up signage, testing microphones, grilling hot dogs, pitching circus tents and rolling out inflatable Games Galore games. Within an hour, the park was full of color, conversation, and laughter. We couldn't have done it without our incredible volunteers! Thank You for spending your Saturday with us!

Kids got a chance to collect 8 core value stickers, learning from our friends the values of Faith, Diversity, Caring, Responsibility, Respect, Love, Honesty and Integrity. Little light bulbs were glowing bright over the heads of young folks across the park, as adults took the time to show kids they cared, by asking after them, seeking their opinions, and getting a better sense of how kids were percieving their community. It was a day of strong connections, wonderful speeches, plenty of fun, plenty of food, and food for thought. A sincere Thank You goes out to all who attended, donated, and pitched in at the Picnic!

When 17,000 area students grades 4-12 were surveyed last year, only 1 in 5 were involved in creative activities like music, theatre, and the arts. What’s more, nearly three quarters said that adults in the community didn’t seem to value them. Depressing thoughts, or opportunities to revive our long commitment to kids? In an ocean of pressures, roadblocks, tough choices and commanding no’s, isn’t it time we stand together united and Say Yes to Youth?

The Metro Youth Partnership is asking you to get involved. There are thousands of caring, concerned adults across our metro community committed, like us, to making this the best place on the planet to be a kid. Last year, we all came together to Say Yes to Youth. Together, we gave $19,193 in scholarships through Our Richard Thompson Memorial Fund, and made it possible for 549 kids to participate in arts, sports and extra-curricular activities in Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo; we sent 40 kids to Summer Camp for the first time with the help of the Pohlad Family Foundation. These scholarship funds give kids a chance to participate, to grow, and to play, and they need your support to flourish.

This October, we have already raised nearly $10,000 toward our goal of Saying Yes to more and more young people. There is still time to contribute to the cause, and have your donations matched, dollar for dollar!

Metro Youth Partnership thanks its generous supporters from the Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo community: