By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

A sold-out audience of nearly 300 supporters, volunteers, key stakeholders and young mothers attended the 9th annual YoungMoms fundraising brunch and silent auction, held at the Willowdale Chapel on March 7.

The event raised an estimated $40,000 for the organization, which this past year had provided personal mentorship and guidance to over 60 young mothers in the southern Chester County community. Since its beginning, YoungMoms has empowered 170 pregnant and parenting teens to stay in school, pursue college or vocational training, parent more effectively and make healthy personal decisions.

In addition to a full brunch, the event included a silent auction that was made possible by the support of nearly 100 businesses who contributed items. Public remarks were made by Social Services Coordinator Daicy Canas; Board President Casey Irwin; Board Vice President Bridget Kirkner; and outgoing Executive President Linda Mercner, who will be leaving her post on March 31. Development/Communications Coordinator Molly Henry has been named as interim executive director, while a search committee is being formed to find a permanent replacement for Mercner.

The event also included interviews with four of the young women enrolled in the YoungMoms program.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].