Luncheon Diaries
Inspiring Just Say Yes luncheon helps point at-risk kids in right direction
More than 300 people supported Just Say Yes at a sold-out luncheon at the Preston Hollow home of Lisa and Kenny Troutt. The annual event helps the nonprofit in its goal to provide resources that empower students to say yes to their dreams and goals and no to destructive choices.
While guests — including Tavia and Clark Hunt, Sue and Jimmy Gragg, Cassandra and Avery Johnson, Janet Hambright, and Libby Deans — enjoyed a meal prepared by chef Richard Chamberlain, they listened intently to Garland’s Lakeview High School’s Chris Caldwell, who spoke about the obstacles in his life and the positive direction Just Say Yes has provided him. He now serves as a peer-to-peer mentor in his school.
Also inspiring was the “Dream Big” presentation delivered by Gabe Salazar, a nationally known professional youth speaker. Salazar explained how he overcame homelessness, hopelessness and gang influence to become the first in his family to go to college.
Just Say Yes began as an educational nonprofit organization in March 2002. Its mission is to partner with schools to provide the right speakers, media and curriculum to help students succeed academically and through making positive decisions that will improve their success inside and outside of the classroom. Customized Just Say Yes programs have been conducted in 38 states, reaching more than 500,000 students, parents and educators.