Virtual event brings YATC community together

Thanks to more than 150 friends and sponsors of YATC who gathered online from across the nation on November 14, the school is proud to announce that the event generated the funds necessary to operate the school for another year! 

Shifting Gears Virtually, a webinar-style event, focused on expressing a deep gratitude that Founder Jim Moran displayed for every individual who supports the school. Guests learned more about the program from emcee Doug Dunbar, television news anchor and reporter for KTVT-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth; Executive Director Terry Routley and Board of Directors President Larry McGinnes. The real-life impact of YATC was explained by current student Ryan Lucas and graduate Quincy Thompson (Class of 2012). 

“I consider myself extremely lucky that I was accepted into YATC,” said Lucas (Class of 2021). “I am grateful that there are people who are willing to put so much time and money into a cause just to give people like me another shot. I know I did some bad things when I fell on tough times and I take responsibility for all my actions. But now I see my past doesn’t have to be my future.”
Several longtime celebrity friends of YATC joined the streamed event. NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, World Golf Hall of Famer Chi Chi Rodriguez and golf pro and PGA Tour winner Mark Pfeil, Baseball Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Andre Dawson and NFL kicker and former Miami Dolphin Olindo Mare, all of whom have been involved with the program for many years, joined the fun, sharing updates on their lives in 2020 and why YATC is meaningful to them.

“YATC is grateful to all the friends and sponsors who continue to support YATC during this difficult year,” said Routley. “We know there are many wonderful nonprofits doing incredible work in our community. That makes us even more grateful that so many individuals and companies believe in our mission and the impact we make on the lives of the young adults in our program.