Neighbor News
Tilly’s Life Center Encourages Teens to Shoot for The Stars at 11th Annual “I Am Giving” Gala
With the teen mental health crisis on the rise, TLC is on the frontline to provide essential emotional wellness tools to teens.
With recent reports showing over 40% of high school students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) continues its mission to equip Southern California teens with essential mental wellness tools. The nonprofit will host its 11th Annual “I Am Giving” Gala taking place on Saturday, November 15th at A/V Irvine – a night of elegance and empowerment featuring dinner, live performances, auctions, dancing and more. Proceeds will support TLC as the nonprofit works to help teens build the confidence and resilience to thrive as they step into their bright futures.
Having served over 3,500 students across 36 schools and youth-facing organizations this past school year, the evening will benefit TLC’s programs and support the expansion of its crucial curriculum across Orange County and beyond. The evening will begin at 5 PM with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Guests, including the Mayor of Irvine Larry Agran, will enjoy a four-course dinner and performances by students from the Orange County School of Arts (OCSA). TLC’s teens will also share testimonies about how the nonprofit’s emotional wellness curriculum has helped them overcome adversities and build a positive mindset.
“What makes this gala truly special is that it unites us around a shared purpose — ensuring every young person has the support, tools, and belief they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically,” said Colleen Versteeg, CEO of Tilly’s Life Center (TLC). “TLC’s programs are proactive and preventative, equipping teens with the skills to navigate life’s challenges before they develop into larger issues. We’re honored to have served thousands of teens across Orange and Los Angeles counties this year, and our goal is to expand that impact as far as possible. The gala is a meaningful way for us to come together and make that happen.”
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About TLC
The lack of resources and support for youth mental health services is alarming, especially considering the numerous and complex challenges our young people are facing today. TLC's emotional wellness program is helping to fill this gap by equipping teens with essential life skills and coping techniques that combat issues like suicide, anxiety, depression, bullying, school violence, substance abuse, and addiction. Through its "I Am Me" curriculum, TLC empowers youth to overcome adversity and crises by developing critical life skills through a series of lessons that include effective communication, stress management, responsible decision-making, goal setting, and more. By providing youth with ongoing opportunities to apply different wellness techniques, including guided discussions, journaling, mindfulness moments, art, and role-playing, teens adopt a positive mindset, enabling them to move past trauma, navigate challenges, and thrive.
For more information on Tilly’s Life Center, please visit www.tillyslifecenter.org and stay connected by following @tillyslifecenter and searching these hashtags #TillysLifeCenter #TLC.
