First published in the Oct. 14 print issue of the San Marino Tribune.
The Give-Mentor-Love Foundation, serving Los Angeles County youths and young adults in crisis, hosted a fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 2, as about 150 people attended the “Fais Do-Do” Bayou-themed party, dinner and auction at the Rusnak Auto Group garage in Azusa.
The foundation consists of a group of dedicated professionals who provide immediate and continued support of basic needs and financial assistance to children and young adults who have been victims of sex trafficking, homelessness or living in foster care.
“We have three partners: It’s L.A. County CSEC [Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children], the L.A. division of ZOE International, and Learning Works Charter School,” said Donna Pierson, the founder of the Give-Mentor-Love Foundation. “Paul Rusnak let us use his garage for free to put on our event. He also gave us a $100,000 match, so we walked in here tonight with an excess of $250,000.”
During the event, Pierson said it was “the most success this fundraiser has ever seen,” and the money raised will go toward helping L.A. County youths and young adults.
