YOU’RE INVITED:
Level Up Your Summer at the Collins & Katz Family YMCA
On May 16th, First Star and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles are hosting the Best Summer Ever. That evening the Collins & Katz Family YMCA in West Los Angeles will host young people ages 16 to 25 for an evening focused on connection, resources, and next steps. Partners across housing, workforce development, education, and mental health will be on site, creating direct pathways forward.
Best Summer Ever
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 4-8PM
Where: Collins & Katz Family YMCA in West Los Angeles
Who: Youth & Young Adults ages 16–25 who have experienced foster care (12-15 year-olds impacted are also welcome)
Vibe out, grab a free dinner, and enter to win raffle prizes!
What to Expect
Level-Up Sessions: Fast-track your skills with quick workshops that actually matter:
- How to land a summer job or internship.
- How to manage your cash and start building your future.
- How to meet the right people who will help you reach your goals.
- Learn about filmmaking, gaming, animation, virtual reality, and artificial
intelligence
Join the Y Community: Sign up for a free membership at 29 YMCAs across Los Angeles County!
Shout Out to our Resource Partners:
We will be joined by experts in the space, with resources and opportunites for our attendees
Sponsorship Opportunities
For the Best Summer Ever event, the Collins & Katz Family YMCA in West Los Angeles will host young people ages 16 to 25 for an evening focused on connection, resources, and next steps. Partners across housing, workforce development, education, and mental health will be on site, creating direct pathways forward.
At First Star, we build long-term pathways to education, career success, and stability for young people in foster care. Best Summer Ever is an extension of that work, meeting young people where they are and helping them move forward with confidence and support. We would be honored if you would join us in this work!
Bright Futures Sponsor
$1,000
Impact:
Supports event infrastructure and youth experience
All sponsor levels receive:
Recognition on event materials (digital and onsite), inclusion in post-event impact report – social media acknowledgment
Gold Sponsor
$2,500
Impact:
- Meals and snacks for event participants
- Youth stipends and emergency funds
- Work readiness and career preparation support
- Connection and belonging activities
- Joy and wellness experiences
Visibility & Engagement:
- Gold Sponsor Recognition
- Group social media recognition
- Inclusion in post-event impact summary
Diamond Sponsor
$5,000
Impact:
- Provides work-ready clothing and shoes for 15–20 youth or
- Provides transportation access for 25+ youth or
- Provides hygiene kits, water bottles, and snacks for 25–30 youth
Visibility & Engagement:
- Diamond Sponsor Recognition
- Dedicated social media recognition
- Opportunity to include a branded item in relevant kits
Platinum Presenting Sponsor
$10,000
Impact:
Supports core event infrastructure and youth experience
Visibility & Engagement:
- Naming rights: “Best Summer Ever presented by [Sponsor Name].”
- Premier logo placement across all materials
- Dedicated social media spotlight (multiple features)
- Opportunity to include a branded item in all youth kits
- Speaking opportunity or welcome remarks at the event
- Featured storytelling in post-event communications – Opportunity for future site visit or partnership development
Best Summer Ever Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Change Reaction
Adam Levin
Gold Sponsors
Vince and Jackie Thompson
Carl Rogers
Bright Futures Sponsor
Judy Hackett
Sargent Family Fund
Become a Sponsor
To become a sponsor or learn more, please contact:
Robin Winston, Chief Operating Officer
Email: robin.winston@firststar.org
Phone: 310-882-5810