PACT Looks to Members to Help Raise Money for $10K Youth Event

Though PACT initially budgeted $4,000 for its March Youth Summit, it now needs more than double that amount to pull off an event that gets teens talking about substance abuse.

PACT, a coalition of 12 different community partners that aims to empower youngsters to make drug-free choices, met on Friday morning at the to brainstorm its upcoming initiatives. The hot topic was the Youth Summit, a one-day peer gathering that will bring 80 students--selected at random--to Christ Church to share how they see and experience drugs and alcohol.

The t-shirts have been designed and the format of the breakout sessions has been determined, but PACT is still short on funding. It's working to raise a total of $10,000--$6,000 more than members initially anticipated spending.

While the organization gets $125,000 from a federal Drug Free Communities grant, PACT isn't authorized to use those dollars for expenses such as, food, for example

The group of about 10 Pelhamites talked about eliciting contributions from community partners, but also focused on how to count on those who have committed to making PACT thrive.

"Give, get, or get off," echoed Pavielle Elan. "We're functioning like a real board."

Members can either hand over a check, or contribute in-kind donations by preparing dishes for the event, or lending a postage machine to help with sending out letters.

The 80 high schoolers who receive "red envelopes" inviting them to participate will get bussed to the church on March 16. Once they arrive, the teens will get split up into small discussion groups, led by a facilitator who doesn't have a pre-existing relationship with the students. The teens will have a chance to open up, candidly, about what it means to be a "21st century student" at PMHS and the drug, alcohol and health issues that matter to them.

PACT director, Alice DeNormandie, said she is confident that the supportive environment and honest discussion will bring forth "good energy." 

Students who are not selected to join this year, need not fret about missing the opportunity, their names will be added to the pot for next year’s event.

"I think this youth summit couldn't be at a better time with "," said DeNormandie. The event coincides with the recent release of the documentary about the enormous stress that students face. "It's a very exciting month for youth. We're going to be very proud."