Help support troubled teens

Hundreds of thousands of students across the nation stay home from school each day in fear of being bullied, and Gainesville area residents are doing their part to keep our local children safe and happy.

On Tuesday, Sept. 18 community members will gather at Rockeys Dueling Piano Bar, 112 South Main Street to benefit Shands Vista’s Partners in Adolescent Lifestyle Support Program.

PALS provides Gainesville’s troubled adolescents with peer support and therapeutic intervention as well as enhances leadership skills for teen leaders. Peer leaders teach students how to deal with such issues as violence, drug abuse, low self-esteem and diversity. The goal is to create an environment that is inclusive, free of violence and safe. The program is active in all of Gainesville’s public high schools as well as Ft. Clarke Middle School and A. Quinn Jones Center.

The event is from 6 – 9 p.m. and will include a dueling piano bar show, hors d’oeurves, drinks and a silent auction. Tickets are $45 per person in advance or $50 at the door, and include two drink vouchers. For more information or to RSVP, click here or contact UF&Shands office of development at 352-265-7237.