08/22/2026
Sunday night reminded us why we do this.
On a smoky afternoon in Cashmere, about 75 people gathered at Joya's property for our annual Upper Valley Young Life Banquet.
We ate Samoan BBQ prepared by Charlie Coffin, listened to live music from TJ, Zach, Marcos, and Eleazar, celebrated what God has done this past year, and shared where we believe He is calling us next.
Our vision is simple:
Every kid deserves someone who cares.
We want to continue building a community of adults who show up in the lives of young people, build lasting relationships with them, and introduce them to Jesus.
And we're ready to expand.
This next year, we're working toward beginning ministry at Icicle River Middle School and launching Young Life in Cashmere.
One of the most powerful moments Sunday was hearing Amelia share her story. Her testimony reminded us that this isn't ultimately about programs, events, or numbers. It's about individual kids being known, cared for, and discovering who Jesus is.
At the end of the evening, Jim Stuck, our Mountain West Associate Regional Director, invited our community to help us raise $30,000 toward the ministry ahead.
So far, you've given $12,500. Thank you!
We had budgeted $15,000 from this year's banquet, which means we're only $2,500 away from hitting our budgeted goal.
But we'd love to go further.
For years, some of our biggest fundraisers came through opportunities like parking cars during Oktoberfest and the winter season. Those opportunities are no longer available, creating a significant fundraising gap.
That's why reaching toward the full $30,000 would make such a difference.
It would give us the resources to recruit and develop leaders, reach new schools, launch ministry in Cashmere, and continue showing up consistently for kids throughout the Upper Valley.
If you weren't able to attend Sunday or if you were there and haven't had the opportunity to give yet, would you consider helping us close the gap?
$12,500 raised.
$2,500 to reach our banquet budget.
$17,500 to reach the bigger $30,000 goal.
Every gift matters. Click here to donate online: https://giving.younglife.org/s/?GiftType=Area&Name=Leavenworth&AppealCodeId=70141000000tvBDAAY&MissionUnitId=a2s410000002wnXAAQ&MissionUnitName=Leavenworth&ClassCodeId=a2j41000000Nj93AAC&ClassCodeName=Operating
We're also incredibly grateful to https://www.ccheventco.com/ for supplying our rentals, the Gann family for donating the wine, Charlie Coffin for preparing an incredible meal, our musicians and volunteers, and every person who helped make Sunday possible.
Most importantly, thank you for believing in kids and helping us keep showing up. Every kid deserves someone who cares. Let's keep going.
TJ Ka'apuni- Area Director
- Upper Valley Young Life
