It's not too late... the angel said...

It's not too late... the angel said.
Even though the world's a mess...
Even though you're not as young...
Even though you've made mistakes
and have been afraid
It's not too late...
And then I saw the world
through the angels' eyes...
I saw the colors I could paint
The bridges I could build
The lives that I could touch
The dreams that could still come true
And it became very clear to me...
That it's not too late.
Ron Atchison

Thursday night over 200 people gathered in Suzanne Rico's backyard to celebrate the dreams that could still come true for thousands of youth. Jackson Browne sang for the dream. Youth from the Fernando Pullum Performing Arts High School Jazz Ensemble sang for the dream. Youth from YMC/Urban Oasis spoke of the dreams that are awakening in their life. Jon Cryer and Lisa Joyner spoke of their connection to our cause. Corporations renewed their support for the dream: HBO, Rhino, Paramount,Warner Bros., MTV Networks, BET, Shout Factory - all give us a nod toward the understanding that the most sacred responsibility of society is to nurture its young. Caring adults showed up to donate their time, money and hearts to our cause. Special thanks to the incredible generosity of Linda LoRe, our entire board of directors, Diana Davidow, Moss Foundation and Rhino Entertainment.

Jackson Browne helping us
keep the dream alive

We raised almost a quarter million badly needed dollars. So now, with the knowledge of that support, we head up the mountain this Thursday with over 100 youth and 35 adults for our Annual Mentee Initiation (Rites of Passage) Retreat to fulfill the sacred responsibility with which we have been blessed. To carry a message to kids from the inner city that "you have not been forgotten".

Many future blogs will no doubt turn to my laments about a culture that fears teens and forgets its responsibilities, but today I sit in gratitude to those who remember.

humbly,
Tony

Tony LoRe, CEO/Founder
Youth Mentoring Connection / Urban Oasis