LGBTQ Youth Organization Marks 25 Years

The ninth annual Fresh Brunch welcomed 1,225 guests to the Arizona Biltmore on Feb. 11. to celebrate onenten’s 25 years of serving LGBTQ youth through a variety of support services and programs. With humble beginnings in a garage, the nonprofit has now grown to serve youth ages 11 – 24 across the Valley and with satellites across the state.

Linda Elliott, newly-retired one∙n∙ten executive director,
receives the Babe Caylor Individual Leadership Award
from board member Lawrence Robinson

The organization celebrated its past successes and honored the just retired executive director, Linda Elliott, with the Babe Caylor Individual Award for the significant advances she made in supporting youth and education, and creating housing and mentoring programs.

The event also announced Nate Rhoton as new executive director. Central Phoenix resident Rhoton plans to become even more innovative and collaborative with one∙n∙ten’s programs and services, to build an even broader reach into the community.

Fry’s Food & Drug Stores received the Corporate Leadership Award and Robinson Maynes was honored with the Nora Gustavsson Volunteer Spirit Award.

Honorary co-chairs Billie Jo Herberger and Oscar De la salas and event co-chairs Donna Rose and Rick McCartney welcomed the hundreds of supporters to the event that serves as the organization’s largest single source of funding. This year’s record-setting brunch raised nearly half a million dollars to keep programs like Q High and Camp OUTdoors! going and growing. With special help from auctioneer Letitia Frye, this was the most successful event in the organization’s history.

One∙n∙ten was founded to provide a safe space for every young LGBTQ individual as they come out to their families or face bullying and other challenges in society. The Youth Education & Success Workforce Development, or YES! Program, has served 136 individuals over the last four years with an 84 percent job placement. Despite advances, the organization is currently facing a wait list of 94 young people who are seeking a place to sleep at night and avoid the challenges of the street.

PHOTOS BY RANDY AND SOPHIA OF RSVP PHOTOGRAPHY

Linda Elliott, one∙n∙ten former executive director; Nate Rhoton, one∙n∙ten executive director; and Toby Urvater, one∙n∙ten founder

Dr. Kevin Axx, Dr. Shel Don Legarreta, Liz O’Brien and Calvin Goetz present one∙n∙ten youth Juno Baier with one of two $10,000 QU scholarships

One∙n∙ten youth stole the show at this year’s brunch, serving as event emcees, performers and story tellers

Honorary event co-chair Oscar De las salas, Irma Oczoro, Joen Martinez, Martha L. Reyes, Cyle L. Brett and Tina Redfern

One∙n∙ten youth Alex Dubroy and Dani Logan, one∙n∙ten program coordinator, present Fry’s Food & Drug Stores Pam Giannonatti and team with the 2018 Corporate Leadership Award

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton with honorary event co-chairs Oscar De las salas and Billie Jo Herberger

Standing: Miguel and Larry Lake, Josh Shaver and Andrew Coster. Seated: Chris Vonier, Kelly Persellin, Sophia Mueller and Anita Lang

Dan Siathone, Kyle Woebkenburg, one∙n∙ten board member, and Travis Shumake, one∙n∙ten director of development, 
enjoying the Bank of America after-party

 

About Perrine Adams

Perrine Adams is the Managing Editor of The Red Book and Lifestyle Editor for Frontdoors Magazine.

From Frontdoors Magazine

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