Helping Hand Gala Benefiting Utah Youth Village

“First Lady Abby Cox has used her platform to bring attention to children and families who too often go unseen,” said Shanna Draper, President of Utah Youth Village. “Her commitment to foster families and to strengthening communities throughout Utah embodies the spirit of the Helping Hand Award, and we are honored to recognize her this year.” The Helping Hand Gala is Utah Youth Village’s signature fundraising event. Proceeds help support programs that strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, support foster youth, and help keep children safely with their families whenever possible. We truly believe that when we help one child, we help generations to come. The impact of that support can be seen in outcomes for the youth Utah Youth Village serves. Foster youth in Utah Youth Village’s care have improved their average GPA by nearly a full grade point - moving from a C average to a B average - demonstrating the difference that stability, individualized support and consistent relationships can make in a young person’s life.