Head 'Out to Eat,' Support Welfare of Local Youth: ACS Fundraiser

From Adolescent Counseling Services:

Outlet, a program of Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS), a community-based nonprofit agency dedicated to the healthy social and emotional welfare of youth, will host its annual gala Out to Eat, on Friday, Oct. 21 from 6-10 p.m. at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto.

This year’s featured keynote speaker is Michelle Honda-Phillips, local LGBTQ+ advocate and daughter of Congressman Mike Honda. Michelle is the mother of a 10-year-old transgender daughter and 8 and 11-year-old cisgender sons and spends most of her time advocating for transgender and gender non-conforming youth. Honda-Phillips has spent the last year speaking at events such as The Association of LGBT Journalists Media Summit and the Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee (BAYMEC) Annual Gala. Michelle’s family journey has also been featured on the NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, the Human Rights Campaign and local media coverage.

Outlet will also honor the Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the San Mateo County Office of Diversity & Equity at the event.

“Both of these agencies have worked tirelessly to create safer environments and access to services for some of the most marginalized within the queer community,” said Anthony Ross, Outlet program director. “We are proud to acknowledge and honor the people who represent each county and encourage the continued work that is critical for the community’s’ well-being.”

Out to Eat will also feature a raffle, wine pull, live auction, hors d’oeuvres by local favorite Catered Too! and speakers who will demonstrate the importance of the Outlet program in the community. Tickets are $125 each, with reduced pricing available for educational, government or non-profit employees. Tables of 10 are $1,250, with a VIP table package option of $1,500. To learn more about the event or purchase tickets online, please visit the Out to Eat website or call (650) 424-0852, ext. 109.

ACS is grateful to the sponsors whose generous support make Out to Eat possible. The 2016 sponsors include El Camino Healthcare District, ORACLE and Applied Materials, with design sponsor Bayless/Hale Design.

Proceeds from Out to Eat benefit Outlet, a program of Adolescent Counseling Services.

Outlet offers support, leadership development, advocacy and education to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and their allies. To learn more about ACS and Outlet, please visit the ACS Teens website or call (650) 424-0852.

Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) exists to support the wellbeing of all teens, tweens, and young adults in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Established in 1975, ACS’ networks of skilled family therapists and professionally led support groups have continuously been a resource that youth and families can rely on. Trained professionals facilitate on-campus and after-school counseling, substance abuse treatment, LGBTQQ+ support services, and community education programs. ACS support youth to overcome obstacles, develop confidence and be empowered to build happy, healthy futures.

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