A ‘Night of Dessert Stars’ Benefit is a Sweet Success!
There was a definite sugar buzz in the air at the Hyatt Deerfield on Saturday night, May 19th at YouthBuild Lake County’s A Night of Dessert Stars. 400 guests, pastry chefs, Board Members, staff, students, volunteers, and the Ace of Cakes, Duff Goldman, gathered to sample an astounding selection of decadent desserts to support a great cause: education and job training for at-risk youth and adults in northern Lake County.
YBLC’s 7th Spring Benefit was its biggest and most extravagant fundraiser yet. Duff wowed guests with his engaging personality and his own story of overcoming personal obstacles to become the internationally renowned celebrity he is today. Responding to questions from YBLC students, Goldman encouraged them to work for ‘excellence’ rather than ‘fame’ saying, “when you’re awesome at whatever you do, success will follow.”
Goldman and his team of judges, including a representative from Proctor & Gamble, the Platinum Event Underwriter, sampled desserts from each of the 15 local pastry chefs represented, and bestowed the Ace of Cakes Award on YBLC’s own Ms. Neecie McGill for her Buttermilk Pie. The People’s Choice Award, voted on by the evening’s guests, went to Liz Bearwald of Highwood’s The Bent Fork.
Of course, the biggest winners of the evening were the students of YBLC, many of whom were in attendance to hear Goldman’s inspirational talk, meet donors and volunteers of the organization, and see the premiere of the organization’s new video featuring student and alumni testimonials. Over $130,000 was raised to support YBLC programs that provide a second chance for students to build a better future for themselves, their families, and the community.
Our deep heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who attended as well as our incredible sponsors, donors, participants, volunteers, Board Members, staff, and the Ace of Cakes himself for making the difference for so many young people.
About YouthBuild Lake County (YBLC)
YBLC is a non-profit organization that helps build communities and transform lives by offering low-income young people in Lake County the chance to earn a GED, learn job and life skills, and secure employment in a construction-related industry. YouthBuild Lake County is affiliated with YouthBuild USA, voted among the nation’s most effective non-profit organizations, because of its successful partnering with local community businesses to reach its goals. For more information, visit www.youthbuildlakecounty.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
