Pathfinders “Dare to Dream Gala” Recognizing Heroes and Sheroes in the Community
Muskegon, Michigan – The community is invited to celebrate Pathfinders 21st year: “Dare to Dream Gala”, at Bella Maria’s Ristorante & Event Center 513 W. Pontaluna Road Norton Shores, MI on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. The program will feature guest vocalist Kaylen Wheeler, dinner and a Silent Auction.
Pathfinders is proud to celebrate 21 years of serving youth in the greater Muskegon area. Established in 1997, the program began at Muskegon Heights Middle School. Pathfinders is located at Temple United Methodist Church (TUMC) 2500 Jefferson.
The event will recognize Teacher, Community Leader, Volunteer, Service Organization, Family and Corporation of the year.
Additionally, Outstanding Pathfinders in two age groups (7 to 12 and 13 to 17) will be announced, the is selection based on youth leadership and community service.
Since its inception, thousands of children and teens (age 7 to 17) have come of age at Pathfinders where they enjoy recreational activities, tutoring, homework assistance and field trips (in and out of state). Today Pathfinders offers many programs, the Lakeshore Community Youth Choir for Unity, the Lights on Afterschool Program, the SAFE Summer Program and Summer Evening REC at Muskegon High School in partnership with the YMCA of Muskegon to name a few. Thanks to the United Way of the Lakeshore (Muskegon), the Community Foundation of Muskegon, the Gerber Foundation and Baker College the youth in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights have a safe haven and “fun” place to go and thrive. West Michigan Methodist Conference, as well as many other local organizations and individuals give generously to Pathfinders.
An off-site school program, youth come to Pathfinders from every school district across the county, Muskegon Public, Muskegon Heights Academy, Timberland Academy, Three Oaks Academy, Mona Shores, Fruitport, North Muskegon and Reeths Puffer. Thanks to special programs such as WINGS (MCC & MAISD), Camp Pendalouan (YMCA) and Spartan $$ Financial Literacy Program (Michigan State Extension), youth develop skills and grow in every aspect of their lives. The money raised will ensure that youth will continue to benefit from the “free” programming provided by Pathfinders.
Many parents and grandparents, who attended Pathfinders in their day, are happy that they can send their children to the same afterschool program they attended. Dr. Pamela Smith, Executive Director says, “The services provided by Pathfinders is more important than ever” and we look forward to thanking all of the partners and families who support the program year in and year out.
This year’s sponsors are Hackley Community Care, Muskegon Community College, Media Pathways and Webb Chemical; Tickets to this “dressy affair” are $50.00 (single); $90.00 (couple); $225.00 for ½ table of 4 and $450.00 for table of 8. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, March 30, 2018. Tickets can be purchased at Urban Apparel 2713 Peck Street in Muskegon Heights and at Pathfinders 2500 Jefferson Street in Muskegon Heights, call 231.733.1065 and ask for Pamela Smith or Shauna Hunter.