Wheels and Reels fundraiser this Saturday

     Area high school students have organized a drive-in movie night featuring the classic family favorite, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, as part of Truman Heartland Community Foundation's (THCF) Youth Advisory Council's (YAC) fundraiser. The event will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022, in the front parking lot of William Chrisman High School, located at 1223 N. Noland Road in Independence, Mo.
     Gates will open at 7:00 p.m. with the movie beginning at 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the THCF website via Eventbrite for $10.00 per person, plus fees, or at the gate for $15.00 per person. Funds raised will be directed to the YAC Endowment, which helps fund grants to youth-serving nonprofits in the community.
     This year's proceeds will increase the YAC Endowment to nearly $100,000, an incredible accomplishment for our philanthropists of the future. "One of the most important and gratifying aspects of the YAC program is the ability of these students to make choices on how to put their funding to use," Diana Castillo, Director of Grantmaking and Donor Services for THCF said.
     "As a collaborative team, they choose how they will use their funds to improve the lives of children and teens in their communities. It is a powerful and empowering experience that few high school students have the opportunity to experience." In 2021, YAC awarded $3,300 to three nonprofits serving Eastern Jackson County.
     This family-friendly drive-in event will include Humdingers' food truck with all the usual favorites and a popcorn & cotton candy stand. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wheels-reels-yac-fundraiser-et-drive-in-movie-tickets-289561936547 or by calling the THCF office at (816) 836-8189. Some sponsorships are still available.
     About Youth Advisory Council (YAC): The Youth Advisory Council at Truman Heartland Community Foundation empowers area students to take an active leadership role in their communities, teaching them how to give back through fundraising, grantmaking, and volunteering. As the THCF "School of Philanthropy," YAC engages hundreds of student leaders annually, representing numerous area high schools. YAC members are committed to improving their communities and the lives of children and young people throughout our region.