Mission hosts BBQ fundraiser Saturday

Precious Treasures Mission will host a BBQ fundraiser Saturday to benefit their scholarship program. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Precious Treasures Mission in Somerton, 492 Main Street.

A carne asada dinner will be on sale for $7 per plate. Those who purchase a ticket will automatically be entered into a raffle with a chance to win a gift certificate redeemable at Cracker Barrel, Red Lobster, Hampton Inn and Suites, Pita Pit, Olive Garden, Karma Hair Studio, or Skins & Armor.

Volunteers will also be selling collectible and antique items including NASCAR memorabilia, Princess House crystal, Native American art, handbags, silverware and glassware.

The fundraiser will include children's activities and performances by the Kofa High School Choir, Mariachi singer Jesse Martinez, and the Yuma First Assembly of God praise band.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to provide scholarships up to $1,000 to nine high school graduates heading to college next semester.

Each recipient is chosen by a scholarship committee including three board members and two individuals who have been recipients of the scholarship in the past. Once selected, each youth is required to maintain a 3.0 grade average, complete 40 hours of volunteer time at Precious Treasures Mission, and volunteer during the annual BBQ.

“Many of these youth will be first generation college students and Precious Treasures wants to be a great support for them,” said Natalie Galabiz, youth director.

“With the scholarship, we are able to support their efforts and boost their success.”

Over the past 14 years, the non-profit organization has awarded 34 scholarships to area youth. To date, eight scholarship recipients have earned a bachelor's degrees and two have earned a master's degree.

“I really appreciate all the help Precious Treasures has given me,” said Azucena Valdez, a scholarship recipient. “The scholarship I was awarded helped me purchase my books and help me pay for other school items.”

Precious Treasures Mission has been serving the community for over 20 years. About 100 students attend the youth program on a daily basis at no cost to them.

The non-profit organization is guided by Christian principles and has a stated mission to engage, motivate, and inspire youth to pursue personal and academic achievements.

For more information about the organization, log onto precioustreasures.org. To purchase tickets in advance, or to volunteer during the BBQ, call 627-3640.