Article Launched: 10/24/2008 08:04:48 PM PDT


David & Margaret Youth and Family Services has served the local community since 1910.
The La Verne nonprofit originated as the David & Margaret Home for Children, an orphanage.

It was established by the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Henry Kuns of La Verne and his wife donated an old hotel and the 17 acres it sat on to the orphanage. The home was named in memory of Kun's parents and son.

It has since expanded during the decades to become an organization offering education, counseling and family services to those in need.

For the first time, the agency is having a gala to raise revenue needed to help sustain its programs, which include residential services for adolescent girls, a foster-family agency, adoption assistance, a self-injury treatment program, special education and mental health services and treatment for learning disabilities.

The gala is set for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 with a reception and silent auction. It takes place at Mountain Meadows Country Club, 1875 Fairplex Drive, Pomona.

Dress for the evening is business casual. The community is invited to mingle with supporters, enjoy dinner, bid on auction items and dance. Tickets are $100.

Theresa Macalino is the publicity coordinator for the agency.

"In the past, the organization has worked on grants and scholarships, but we have decided to really kick it up," she said. "This is our first auction, and we're hoping the public comes out to support our young people and their families."
National and local financial hardships aside, she said, the nonprofit's mission remains steady - to empower children and their families through culturally diverse services while fostering emotional, educational, spiritual and identity development.

"With the economy the way it is, nonprofits are usually hit first, but we still need help. David & Margaret has served this community since 1910, it is a proud member of this community, and now it is asking for its help," she said.

"And David & Margaret will be celebrating its 100th birthday in 2010, so this is a perfect time to get people into the room, show them who we are and what we do and then build on that."