Foster teens celebrate with Valley Automall

The Valley Automall hosted its 11th annual Foster Teens Holiday Celebration on Dec. 21. The annual event gives disadvantaged teenagers an opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with free food, gifts and a chance to meet local TV personalities.

"It was touching to see these kids enjoying themselves during the holidays," said Valorie Staley, Valley Automall manager. "They had the opportunity to see that somebody loves and cares about them, which is what the holidays are about."

Chaperoned teens arrived to a colorfully decorated Valley Automall dealership where the festivities began with donated Krispy Kreme donuts, Starbucks coffee and hot chocolate. Next, the teens received $100 from the Valley Automall Owners Association and were taken by Coach USA chartered buses on a shopping spree.

The teens then enjoyed a buffet-style lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs followed by raffle prizes. KVVU Fox 5's Chief Meteorologist Darren Peck served as master of ceremonies. Teens received mountain bikes, backpacks, iPods and an electronic musical keyboard. Prize donors included the Valley Automall, Fox 5 and Insight Communications. Teens additionally received complimentary haircuts from professional stylist Kerri May from Studio K Beauty.

Celebrity Josh "Chop" Towbin made a special guest appearance, signing autographs, taking pictures and answering questions. He spoke about the importance of hard work, persistence and treating other people well.

"This was a great event that helped uplift the teens' spirits and confidence," said Towbin, 32, who owns a successful car dealership chain. He also stars in the cable TV show "King of Cars" and is a rap artist and music producer. "It's important for kids to believe that anything is possible," Towbin said. "It was a rewarding experience to give something back to the teens."

The Valley Automall's foster teen event plays a key role in improving foster teen confidence. It gives them the encouragement, support and care that they might not receive elsewhere.

"Valley Automall's event helps lift the spirits of these neglected teens who might otherwise not experience the holidays," said Stuart Fredlund, former manager of Nevada's Division of Child and Family Services. "It gives them a special day to be the center of attention, letting them know they are important."

Valley Automall launched its foster teens event as a way to bring seasonal cheer to Nevada's 2,200 foster children and teenagers. For those interested in becoming a foster parent, call the Family Services Department at 455-0181 or visit the Web site at www.access clarkcounty.com.family services/home.htm.

The Valley Automall is the world's largest auto mall with more than 185 acres and thousands of new and used vehicles. The Automall is located in Henderson off of U.S. Highways 93/95 at Auto Show Drive or exit the Las Vegas Beltway at Gibson Road. For additional information, go to www.valleyautomall.com.

Valley Automall dealers include Audi Henderson, Chapman Chrysler-Jeep, Courtesy Imports, Courtesy Mazda, Desert BMW, Desert Pontiac-GMC-Buick, Findlay Acura, Findlay Cadillac-Saab, Findlay Honda Henderson, Findlay Toyota, Findlay Volkswagen, Ford Country, Henderson Chevrolet, Henderson Nissan, Saturn of Henderson and Towbin Dodge.