News/Events

2008 If Given a Chance 14th Annual Awards

On Friday night, May 9th, 2008 at the Napa Valley Marriott a sold out crowd honored the courage and resilience of 28 young people.  Congressman Mike Thompson, California Sate Senator Pat Wiggins and California Assembly Member Noreen Evans all awarded Resolutions honoring each of the If Given a Chance recipients.

Our keynote speaker this year was Clair Narlock Holcomb, 1996 cohort.  She graduated from Sacramento State University with a degree in Psychology and is managing the Senior programs for the City of American Canyon and planning to return to school in the near future.  She has one beautiful child, Mikayla, and another on the way, with a wonderful husband and partner, Michael.

It was another year of firsts.  A 1996 recipient, now a success in his field, nominated one of this year’s recipients.  A full circle story of struggle, success and passing it on.

So now the journey begins.  As these 28 young people prepare for the next steps of their lives they will have the support of If Given a Chance.  It will start with their immersion into the CAN program.  When they enroll, they will receive their first check from us.  If they need a laptop, it will happen, issues, challenges, life questions?  Our Student Liaison, Isadora Asch will be there and in contact.  They have become a part of the If Given a Chance Family.  Please check out a few choice shots from a couple of wonderful photographers, Oscar Vega and Lowell Downey.  More photos will be shared in time.

If Given a Chance owes so much to so many for the success of not only this year but all the 13 years previous.  Only by standing together do we truly provide a Chance to these deserving young people.

See you next year.

Jim King
Executive Director

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