Automall hosts foster teens holiday celebration

The annual gala brings seasonal cheer to some of Clark County’s teenagers in foster care; many would not experience the holidays otherwise.

“We’re proud to provide a caring atmosphere of holiday happiness and cheer,” said Valorie Staley, Valley Automall manager. “This annual event lets foster teens know they are loved and important; it’s what the holidays are all about.”

Festivities began with chaperoned teens arriving to a brightly colored, balloon-strewn showroom for early morning Krispy Kreme doughnuts compliments of Insight Communications of Nevada, plus coffee and hot chocolate donated by Starbucks at Pebble Marketplace. Each teen received a $100 gift card from the Valley Automall Owners Association for an exclusive holiday shopping spree at area retailers. They were transported by bus by Celebrity Coaches of America.

“There aren’t many opportunities for teens in foster care to celebrate the holidays. They often get overlooked,” said Cynthia Metzger, family services supervisor with Clark County’s Independent Living Program. “Many of the teens used the shopping spree to buy something for foster parents, siblings and friends.”

The foster teens also bought everyday items many people take for granted, including clothes and household goods, music and movies.

Their shopping spree was followed by an Italian feast compliments of Gothic Grounds Management.

John Huck, KVVU-TV, Channel 5 news anchor, served as master of ceremonies for the free luncheon and drawing for prizes that included all-terrain Magna mountain bikes, a laptop computer, Apple iPods and iPads, digital cameras, a Kindle Fire, and an Xbox 360, among other gifts. Prize sponsors included M&M Services; Findlay Lincoln; Findlay Toyota; Chapman Chrysler Jeep; KVVU-TV, Channel 5; Ford Country; Findlay Cadillac; Good Guys Air Conditioning; Henderson Chevrolet; Findlay Honda; Findlay Acura; Desert BMW; Mercedes-Benz of Henderson; Audi Henderson; Infinity Dental and Lexus of Henderson.

The teens also received an opportunity to spruce up before leaving thanks to complimentary haircuts, styling and trims from Kerri May of Studio K Salon and Tricia Smith of Cut Me Loose.

“People don’t often think of foster teens. Yet, teens need recognition and positive reinforcement as much as younger aged kids, if not more,” Metzger said. “This is one of the few events that recognize foster teens. We begin receiving requests to participate months in advance for this event.”

The holiday celebration plays a vital role in developing foster teens’ self-esteem, confidence and self-worth, while providing nurturing encouragement for future success and community achievement.

“We’re proud to celebrate a decade and a half of recognizing Southern Nevada’s foster teens during the holiday season,” Staley said. “This event gives neglected youth a special day to be the center of attention and feel important when they need it most.”

For those interested in becoming a foster parent, call Clark County’s Family Services Department at 702-455-0181 or visit www.accessclark
county.com/familyservices/home.htm.

Valley Automall dealers include Audi Henderson, Chapman Chrysler Jeep, Courtesy Imports, Courtesy Mazda, Desert BMW of Henderson, Desert GMC, Findlay Acura, Findlay Cadillac, Findlay Honda Henderson, Findlay Lincoln, Findlay Toyota, Findlay Volkswagen, Ford Country, Henderson Chevrolet, Henderson Nissan, Lamborghini Las Vegas, Lexus of Henderson, Mercedes-Benz of Henderson and Towbin Dodge.

Visit www.valleyautomall.com for information.